Indian eves pip Bangladesh by 49 runs in first T20 match in Vadodara

File Photo of the Indian Women’s cricket team pictured here during the Women’s WC in Jan 2013. (Getty Images)

The 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup cricket tournament held in India last February was a truly forgettable one for the Indian women cricketers. The women in blue, cut a disappointing figure in the marquee event, failing to even make it to the Super Six stage.

The Indian women did start their campaign on a bright note, posting a big win over eventual runners-up West Indies but defeats at the hands of England and Sri Lanka put paid to their Super Six qualifying hopes.

Now a month later, the Indian eves seemed determined to revive their fortunes as they racked up a facile 49-run win against Bangladesh in the first Twenty20 international at the Reliance Sports Complex in Vadodara.

Batting first, India eves were set a strong base by the opening duo of Poonam Raut and Thirush Kamini who imposed themselves on the Bangladesh bowlers. The pair took the aggressive route successfully and rattled up a fine century opening stand.

Raising big partnerships seems to be becoming a habit for the Poonam-Kamini combo. Only recently, the openers put on a big century stand in the World Cup opener against West Indies.

The understanding between the two openers worked to a nicety as they helped the hosts gain the upperhand. Vice-captain Poonam blazed her way to a belligerent 75, which came off 56 balls and was studded with ten hits to the fence.

Southpaw Kamini, who scored her maiden one-day century in the World Cup opener against West Indies, was equally brutal, smacking a superb half century. Her knock of 56 came off only 57 balls and was packed with seven boundaries.

Kamini was dismissed by spinner and Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun after the pair put on 130 runs inside eighteen overs. Poonam perished in the second last over of the innings.

Talented hard-hitting batswoman Harmanpreet Kaur, leading the side in the absence of seasoned Mithali Raj, fell cheaply but the robust batting from the openers was enough to see India eves post 143 for 3 off their allotted 20 overs.

Salma Khatun bagged three wickets for Bangladesh.

Set 144 for victory, it was again Salma Khatun, who kept Bangladesh in the contest, clubbing an unbeaten 49 off 43 balls, but she lacked support from the other end.

Bangladesh were restricted to 94 for 7 off their stipulated 20 overs. Six Indian bowlers took a wicket each.

Experienced campaigners like World Cup captain Mithali Raj, seamers Jhulan Goswami and Amit Sharma were overlooked by the All-India Women’s Selection Committee for this series.

The second and third T20 ties would also be played at Baroda on Thursday and Friday.

The three-match ODI series would be played at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Motera on April 8, April 10 and April 12.