In a sunlit Mirpur encounter, Jemimah Rodrigues showcased an exceptional display both with the bat and ball, propelling India to a commanding 108-run triumph over Bangladesh on 19 July, 2023. Rodrigues, orchestrating a swift 86-run inning and clinching four wickets in a mere 3.1 overs, achieved personal bests in both departments. This emphatic victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting the stage for the highly anticipated series decider scheduled for Saturday.
The second game, played under a contrasting backdrop to the rain-marred opener, unveiled Rodrigues and Devika Vaidya as the chief architects behind a stunning collapse that sent Bangladesh crashing from a steady 106 for 3 to a mere 120 all out within a span of just 38 balls. Vaidya’s impeccable spell, boasting figures of 3 for 30 in her eight-over spell, played a pivotal role in this transformative phase of the match.
India’s batting prowess was exhibited through a calculated half-century from Harmanpreet Kaur, artfully complemented by Rodrigues’ blistering knock, propelling India to a competitive total of 228 for 8. Despite a wrist injury forcing Harmanpreet to exit the crease when she was at 48 runs off 80 balls, she later made a triumphant return to the pitch in the 47th over, eventually achieving a remarkable 52 runs. With Harmanpreet’s absence at the commencement of Bangladesh’s innings, the reins of captaincy were temporarily handed over to Smriti Mandhana.
Bangladesh’s batting aspirations took a dramatic tumble as they found themselves mired in a colossal collapse, relinquishing seven wickets for a paltry 14 runs. Initially, it seemed as though Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni were staging a recovery, keeping the chase afloat. However, India’s shrewd bowling adjustments threw a spanner in the works, derailing Bangladesh’s momentum. Vaidya and Rodrigues, with their well-calibrated deliveries, effectively dismantled the opposition’s lineup. Rodrigues’ spin variations were particularly instrumental, accounting for crucial dismissals including that of skipper Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter. At 114 for 8, Bangladesh’s fate appeared all but sealed.
Transitioning to the playing conditions, the second ODI unveiled a spin-friendly track with a touch of unpredictability in bounce, a far cry from the overcast conditions during the first match where India had struggled, capitulating for a meager 113. This time, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet stood as bastions of India’s resistance against Bangladesh’s spinning arsenal. Despite Priya Punia’s early departure, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet joined forces, adopting a strategy centered around rotating the strike. This collaborative approach yielded a substantial 73-run partnership for the third wicket. Harmanpreet’s temporary departure, albeit due to injury, served as a pivotal juncture in the match.
Rodrigues and Harmanpreet’s unyielding resolve epitomized India’s tenacity, steering them to a triumphant victory. With the series hanging in the balance, the upcoming decider promises to deliver yet another riveting spectacle of cricketing contest.