Bangladesh Women won their first ICC Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25 match and handed India their first defeat in a low-scoring rain-affected battle in Dhaka, successfully defending 152. They had 18-year-old Marufa Akter to thank for the 40-run win, as the pacer opened her account in ODI cricket with a 4 for 29 that overshadowed a 4-31 from India’s debutant Amanjot Kaur earlier in the day, and leg-spinner Rabeya Khan, who picked 3-30.
When Amanjot first ran out Sharmin Akhter for an 18-ball duck in the eighth over and then returned with the ball in the following over to send her opening partner, Murshida Khatun, packing for 13 for her first ODI scalp, India was on the right track after choosing to bowl first in the cloudy conditions. Fargana Hoque broke the deadlock with a cover drive after 34 consecutive dot balls as she and her captain, Nigar Sultana, created a crucial 49-run partnership for the third wicket. Bangladesh’s comeback was cut short by rain just as it was getting going, and after a delay of almost two hours, the game was reduced to 44 overs per side. Even though the pair progressed at a leisurely pace, India became eager for a breakthrough, so Harmanpreet Kaur sent the ball back to Amanjot, who had Fargana edging behind. She chose her third when, shortly after the hosts passed the 100-run threshold, she caught Nigar with the ball directly in front of her at 39. Bangladesh could only manage a stumbling 152/9 by the penultimate over as Shorna Akter left owing to excruciating abdominal pain. The amended target of 154 was more than enough for the hosts to surprise them, however, as a result of India’s disastrous batting performance.
Early on, Smriti Mandhana was quick to punish Marufa’s two short balls, but the rookie ultimately triumphed when she caught the vice-captain of India prodding at an outswinger outside off. After making a disappointing comeback for India, Priya Punia became Marufa’s second victim after scoring 10 out of 27. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain, was quickly in and out, and after Yastika Bhatia was bowled for 15, Rabeya joined the celebration. On round 10, she struck again to put a stop to Jemimah Rodrigues’ struggle. At the end of the 16th over, India’s score dropped to 61/5.
Amanjot and Deepti Sharma were able to hold Bangladesh at bay for a while, leading India to 91 in the process. Deepti Sharma (20), who ultimately top-scored in India’s lackluster batting display, also played well. However, Marufa made a comeback in the 29th over and struck twice in quick succession to provide the game-changing blows. When she ended Deepti’s battle, Rabeya gave the team a hat-trick victory, thus ending India’s pursuit.
