Bangladesh achieved their highest ever total of 225/4 in the over 50 format against India, with Fargana Hoque (107) impressively recording her country’s first ODI century.
In response, the India opener, Smriti Mandhana, contributed 59 runs and Harleen Deol put in a remarkable performance with 77 runs in the middle order. However, India’s batting line-up experienced a dramatic collapse, losing their last six wickets by just 34 runs, eventually being bowled out for 225 in 49.3 overs.
The series ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving India settling for this result after the three match ODI series against Bangladesh.
“I think (there is) a lot of learning for us from the game. Even apart from cricket, the type of officiating that was going on, we were very surprised. Next time we come to Bangladesh we will make sure that we have to deal with this type of officiating and prepare accordingly,” Harmanpreet told the broadcaster after the match.
India’s last couple Jemimah Rodrigues (33 not out) and meghna singh (6) moved the team closer to victory, but a contentious caught decision against the latter seems to have added to India’s woes.
Both Jemimah and Meghna seemed unhappy with the stuck decision.
The India captain lashed out at the on-field referees, Muhammad Kamruzzaman and Tanvir Ahmed, both locals, calling their refereeing “pathetic”.
Harmanpreet said: “They (Bangladesh) hit very well, they hit according to the situation. They took those singles which were very crucial. In the middle, we leaked some runs but we controlled the game very well when we were batting but as I mentioned earlier, pathetic umpiring was done.
“We are really disappointed by some decisions made by the umpires,” said the India captain, who banged her bat on stumps in frustration and gestured to the umpire as she was ruled out for 14 by Nahida Akter.
The India captain praised Harleen Deol for her 77, which came off 108 balls with nine fours.
“She looked very promising in the last game, so we promoted her to free-hit and she took the opportunity with both hands. Jemi (Jemimah) was really good through the innings. She played well,” he said.
“(It was) a good game, (a) lot of learning and last but not least, our Indian High Commission is also there and I hope they invited him here, but that’s good too. And thank you sir for coming here,” the India captain told the host broadcaster.
Bangladesh had earlier recorded their first ODI win against India in the first match when they won by 40 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, but the visitors rallied to defeat the hosts by 108 runs in the second game.
(With PTI Inputs)