India set Tigresses a daunting target

Fifties from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues saw India women's cricket team set a daunting target of 229 runs for Bangladesh in their second of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

Jemimah scored a 78-ball 86 while Harmanpreet hit 52 off 88 deliveries as the visitors posted 228 for eight in 50 overs, leaving a mountain to climb for the Tigresses, who look to seal their maiden ODI series against India after winning the first game by 40 runs in DLS.  

Harmanpreet had to retire hurt while on 48 off 80 deliveries in the 37th over after being hit on her left hand the previous over from a throw from the outfield. She pushed to cover for a single and was hit on her left hand while completing the run. The 28-year-old, who received on-field treatment from the physio, could not continue long after that incident. 

However, Harmanpreet returned late in the game when Nahida Akter removed Harleen Deol in the 47th over. 

Bangladesh had gotten off to a decent start after electing to field as opener Priya Punia was castled by young Marufa Akter in the fifth over with just 17 on the board. Marufa was once again in action when she had Yastika Bhatia run out in the 11th over. 

But a solid 73-run stand between Jemimah and Harmanpreet for the fourth wicket before the latter had to retire hurt and another 55-run fifth-wicket stand between Deol and Jemimah helped India post a commendable total. 

For Bangladesh, Nahida and Fahima Khatun scalped two wickets each.