Radha, Richa set up India’s series sweep

Former nishes as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 10 scalps while Smriti tops the batting charts with 116 runs

Radha Yadav (three for 24) ran through Bangladesh’s toporder after Richa Ghosh’s quickƒre unbeaten 28 oœ 17 balls, setting up India’s 21-run win in the ƒfth T20 International and a 5-0 series sweep on Thursday.

Chasing a 157-run target, Bangladesh began promisingly but collapsed against the left-arm spinner Radha.

Despite the rearguard act by Ritu Moni (37, 33b, 4x4) and Shorifa Khatun (28 n.o., 21b, 3x4), the hosts ƒnished at 136 for six in 20 overs.

All-rounder Moni and Shorifa put on a resolute stand of 57 runs for the sixth wicket to lead the ƒghtback and dial up the pressure on India, but the visitors prevailed eventually.

The partnership between Moni and Khatun was also Bangladesh's highest for the sixth wicket in Women’s T20Is, breaking the previous record of the one between Sanjida Islam and Nigar Sultana (32).

Earlier, Richa played a cameo (28 n.o., 17b, 3x4, 1x6) to take India to 156 for ƒve, providing a muchneeded impetus after the visitors stumbled with a ¢urry of wickets.

Quick wickets

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (30), D. Hemalatha (37) and S. Sajana (1) fell in quick succession which allowed hosts Bangladesh to halt India’s progress as it was was aiming for a big total. Harmanpreet and Hemalatha

put on 60 runs for the third wicket for a strong foundation.

Highest total

India’s 156 for ƒve was the highest total of the series from either team with Smriti Mandhana setting the tone early on, hitting four fours and one six to make a ¢uent 33 oœ 25 balls.

Radha ƒnished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 10 dismissals in ƒve games while Smriti’s 116 runs in ƒve outings were the most for any batter.

The scores: India 156/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 33, Hemalatha 37, Harmanpreet Kaur 30, Richa Ghosh 28 n.o., Rabeya Khan 2/28, Nahida Akter 2/27) bt Bangladesh 135/6 in 20 overs (Ritu Moni 37, Shorifa Khatun 28 n.o., Radha Yadav 3/24, Asha Sobhana 2/25). India clinched series 5-0.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT On the prowl: The victorious Indian women’s team.