Twitter Reactions: Shamima Sultana's crucial knock helps Bangladesh win 3rd T20I against India

Courtesy of an invaluable knock by Shamima Sultana, Bangladesh Women won the third and final T20I match by four wickets against India Women on Thursday, July 13. Notably, the two sides crossed swords at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, in Mirpur. 

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made the right call during the toss and decided to put up a total. However, what followed was a dismal start by the Women in Blue as they endured a blow in the form of Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal in the second over for just one run.

Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues got four boundaries and seemed in fine touch, however, Shorna Akter drew curtains on her innings for 28 off 26 balls. The onus was on skipper Harmanpreet to get the derailed side back on track with an invaluable knock.

Though she tried hard to bail her side out of the precarious situation with her 41-ball 40, Bangladesh eventually came back strong and ripped through the rival batting line-up. With this, India concluded with a paltry score of 102 runs in their stipulated 20 overs.

Rabeya Khan returned a three-wicket haul for 16 runs in her four overs whereas Sultana Khatun added two scalps in her account. During the run-chase, Minnu Mani swiftly took the onus to land the blows as she sent Shathi Rani and Dilara Akter for just 10 and one run, respectively.

However, opener Shamima Sultana remained solid at the crease and carved out a delicate, well-built knock. Meanwhile, skipper Nigar Sultana headed back to the pavilion for a meagre 14 off 20 balls. With 27 required off the last five overs, India added another twist in the clash as Shamima was run out for 42 off 46 balls and also got the wicket of Sultana Khatun to leave Bangladesh reeling. 

Despite India being momentarily under control, Bangladesh eventually came out on top to win the third and final match of the series. Despite this, the Women in Blue clinched the T20I series by 2-1.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Bangladesh Women's triumph over India Women:

Can’t remember when was the last time Shafali Verma scored big. Puts too much pressure on Harmanpreet to score. She’s become more of an anchor with run a ball unlike the previous hard hitting player. #INDvsBAN #HarmanpreetKaur

— Storywaalaa 🙋🏻‍♂️ (@avinashpareek) July 13, 2023

Needed a thrashing but it wasn't a thrashing.This team deserve thrashing.#INDvBAN

— Amio (@amio_264) July 13, 2023

Shafali Verma's recent T20I performances have been inconsistent, with her scores in the last 10 innings being 11, 19, 0, 9, 24, 8, 28, 33, 13 and 20.

looks concerning. #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/dY2mJg2dNe

— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) July 13, 2023

Is anyone accountable for the ladies??? Ever??? #indvban

— Adv. Unni (@laxmipath) July 13, 2023

This is not cricket, this is a snooze-fest. None of the sides play with confidence while batting.#INDvBAN

— Devjani (@CricketKenway) July 13, 2023

10 batters batted today for India, only 1 played with more than 100 SR
Very poor bowling & fieldin, dropped catches
After 2 back to back wickets, 10 runs required but Harman kept open fielding to gave easy singles#INDvBAN #INDvsBAN #Cricket #CricketTwitter #TeamIndia #BANvIND

— PIYUSH PAWAR (@im_piyushpawar) July 13, 2023

💔🇮🇳 TOUGH LUCK! We played brilliantly throughout the T20I series but things didn't go our way today.

💪🏻 The girls have won the T20I series with a 2-1 lead. Onto the ODIs now.

📷 Getty • #INDvBAN #BANvIND #BANWvINDW #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kcZryj9USt

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) July 13, 2023