Bangladesh Women beat India in last-ball thriller to capture maiden Twenty20 Asia Cup title

Sudhir Gupta 15:28 10/06/2018
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  • Bangladesh women celebrate their last-gasp win. Image - ICC/Twitter.

    Bangladesh women completed a thrilling last-ball victory over their India counterparts to register their maiden Women’s T20 Asia Cup title on Sunday at Kuala Lumpur.

    Having already beaten India in a group-match earlier in the tournament, the Bangladesh eves completed only their second victory over the six-time champions to capture an historic title.

    In the finals, Bangladesh skipper Shamima Sultana won the toss and elected to field first. Despite an attacking half-century from India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Bangladesh’s bowlers were on song as they restricted the opponents to just 112-9 in their 20 overs.

    For Bangladesh, Khadija Tul Kubra and Rumana Ahmed were the stars with the ball as they snared two wickets apiece.

    In reply, although no Bangladesh player went on to score a big innings, valuable contributions from the top and middle-order saw Sultana and her squad pip India in the final delivery of the match.

    Poonam Yadav's four-wicket haul went in vain for India.

    Poonam Yadav’s four-wicket haul went in vain for India.

    It looked liked Bangladesh had done enough for a comfortable win when they were batting at 96-4 but a spate of quick wickets ensured that the match enjoyed a more than lively end.

    The equation for Bangladesh came down to nine runs required off the final over with five wickets in hand. India skipper Harmanpreet herself took on the responsibility in the final over and although two wickets fell off consecutive balls, Jahanara Alam held her nerve in the last ball as she scampered home for a second run to complete a remarkable victory for the underdogs.

    India spinner Poonam Yadav’s sensational figures of four wickets while just conceding nine runs went in vain. This was India’s seventh consecutive appearance in the finals of the Asia Cup.

    SCORECARD:

    India Women

    112-9 (20 overs)

    Harmanpreet Kaur – 56 (42)

    Khadija Tul Kubra – 2/23 (Four overs)

    Rumana Ahmed – 2/22 (Four overs)

    Bangladesh Women

    113-7 (20 overs)

    Nigar Sultana – 27 (24)

    Poonam Yadav – 4/9 (Four overs)

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