Indian women's team got off to a blazing start in the three-match T20 International series, securing a facile seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was instrumental in the victory, smashing a 35 ball-54 not out which guided the side to 118-3 in 16.2 overs after Bangladesh put up a mediocre 114-5 in 20 overs.
Kaur, who struck six fours and two sixes in her knock, stabilized the innings after Bangladesh raised a prospect of defending the total, reducing might India to 21-2 in fourth overs. The bowlers were rewarded for maintaining the right line and length with Marufa Akhter giving opener ShafaliVerma a third ball-duck and Sultana Khatun dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues for 11.
Ably supported by senior batter Smrity Mandhana, Kaur tamed the rejuvenated Bangladesh bowlers and bailed the side out of danger, sharing a 70-run partnership for the third wicket.
Sultana broke the partnership, removing Smrity for 38 after she clobbered five fours in 34 balls.
But, Kaur gunned down the target with ease to sail the side home. Yastika Bhatia was not out on 9.
After being sent to bat first earlier, Bangladesh made a decent start but just couldn't pace the innings against a disciplined Indian attack. Shorna Akhter was the top-scorer for the side with an unbeaten 28. Sobhana Mostarychipped-in-with 23 and opener Sathi Rani scored 22.
The situation got worsened when Bangladesh failed to show the sharpness in running between the wicket that resulted in two run dismissals.
Pooja Vastrakar, debutant Minnu Mani and Shafali Verma picked up one wicket apiece.
The second T20 is on July 11 and the final one is on July 13.
After the T20 series, India who is visiting Bangladesh for the first time for a bilateral series, will play a three-match ODI series.
