Cricket

India continued its dominance over Bangladesh in the fourth women's T20 match in Sylhet on May 6, securing a 56-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match was shortened to 14 overs per side due to persistent rain and hail.Harmanpreet Kaur (38) and Richa Ghosh (24) shared a crucial 44-run partnership to help India post a competitive 122 for six. Bangladesh, chasing 125 in 14 overs, struggled to keep up with the required run rate.Opener Dilara Akter (21) provided some resistance, but the rest of the batters failed to reach double digits. India's bowlers, led by Asha Sobhana (2/18), Deepti Sharma (2/22), Radha Yadav (1/15), and Pooja Vastrakar (1/16), restricted Bangladesh to 68 for seven.India now leads the five-match series 4-0. The victory was particularly significant for Kaur, who played her 300th international game. She and Ghosh played key roles in boosting India's total after a rain break.Bangladesh's batters, on the other hand, were unable to cope with the pressure of chasing a revised target. The Indian bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the hosts to score boundaries.India's victory extends their impressive record against Bangladesh in women's T20 cricket. The team has now won 10 consecutive matches against their neighbors.

India vs Bangladesh: Toss Bangladesh Chose to Bowl vs IndiaIn the fourth T20I match between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bowl first on a cloudy day in Sylhet. India had already secured the five-match series 3-0.Both teams made debuts in this match. Bangladesh introduced 14-year-old medium pacer Habiba Islam, left-hand batter Rubya Haider, and legspinner Shorna Akter. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to 33-year-old legspinner S Asha and rested offspinner Shreyanka Patil. Seamer Titas Sadhu also made her first appearance in the series, replacing Renuka Singh.Asha, who became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the Women's Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is now the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 12 scalps. This match also marked Harmanpreet Kaur's 300th international appearance.Bangladesh Playing XI:1. Dilara Akter2. Murshida Khatun3. Rubya Haider4. Nigar Sultana (capt & wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Habiba Islam7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Marufa Akter11. Shorna AkterIndia Playing XI:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Titas Sadhu10. S Asha11. Radha Yadav

Sri Lanka Women's cricket team secured a thrilling 15-run victory over United Arab Emirates in the semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi. This triumph not only earned them a spot in the main event in Bangladesh later this year but also a place in Tuesday's final against Scotland.Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 149 for 6, thanks to a solid innings from Vishmi Gunaratne, who top-scored with 45 runs off 44 deliveries. Gunaratne shared a 52-run opening partnership with Chamari Athapaththu, who contributed 21 runs. After Athapaththu's dismissal, the middle order accelerated the scoring, adding 43 runs in the final three overs. Nilakshika Silva's quickfire 18 off 10 balls, including three boundaries, helped boost the total.In response, UAE's chase got off to a shaky start as Inoshi Fernando dismissed Theertha Satish for a duck. However, Esha Oza emerged as a beacon of hope for UAE, smashing 66 runs off 44 balls, including two fours and four sixes. Her aggressive batting kept UAE in contention for an upset.Khushi Sharma (22) and Kavisha Egodage (16) provided valuable support to Oza, but Sri Lanka's bowlers managed to break through the UAE resistance. Athapaththu dismissed Egodage, while Udeshika Prabodhani bowled Oza in the next over. The run-out of Heena Hotchandani triggered a collapse, with UAE losing three wickets for just seven runs in 12 balls.Athapaththu claimed another wicket, removing Samaira Dharnidharka for 5. Vaishnave Mahesh fought valiantly for UAE, scoring 13 not out off eight balls, but the asking rate proved too daunting. Sri Lanka's bowlers held their nerve, restricting UAE to 134 for 7, securing a hard-fought victory.

Scotland's Women's Cricket Team has made history by qualifying for their first-ever T20 World Cup after defeating Ireland in the semi-finals of the qualifiers. Captain Kathryn Bryce led the charge for Scotland, showcasing her all-around abilities with a brilliant performance both with the ball and the bat.Bryce's exceptional bowling display set the tone for Scotland's victory. She struck twice in the opening over, dismissing both Irish openers for ducks. Her relentless pace and accuracy continued to trouble the Irish batters, as she completed her four-wicket haul by the seventh over, reducing Ireland to a precarious 25 for 5.Ireland's recovery efforts were led by Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell, who added 22 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Abtaha Maqsood's dismissal of Stokell halted their momentum. Paul and Arlene Kelly then combined for a 60-run partnership, with Kelly contributing 35 runs and Paul scoring 45 before being dismissed in the final over.In response, Scotland's openers, Megan McColl and Saskia Horley, provided a solid start with a 49-run partnership. McColl was the more aggressive of the two, reaching her half-century in the 15th over. However, she was dismissed shortly after by Kelly.Bryce joined McColl at the crease and formed a crucial partnership worth 49 runs. Bryce's aggressive batting, including three boundaries and a six, kept Scotland's momentum going. The duo steadily chipped away at the target, ensuring Scotland's victory with 22 balls to spare.Bryce's all-round performance was instrumental in Scotland's historic triumph. Her four-wicket haul and unbeaten 35 runs showcased her versatility and leadership qualities. Scotland's qualification for the T20 World Cup is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the exceptional talent of their players.

Northern Diamonds emerged victorious in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match against Central Sparks at Edgbaston, securing a narrow one-run victory in a nail-biting finish.Chasing a target of 216, Sparks looked poised to snatch victory in the final over, needing just four runs with three wickets in hand. However, Diamonds captain Hollie Armitage delivered an ice-nerved performance, dismissing all three remaining batters to secure her side's third win of the season.Diamonds had earlier posted a competitive 216, with Erin Burns leading the way with a resilient 49. Abi Glen provided a late cameo with an unbeaten 31, while Sparks' disciplined bowling attack shared the wickets.Sparks' chase got off to a solid start as Eve Jones and Abi Freeborn forged a century partnership for the second wicket. However, the Diamonds bowlers gradually tightened their grip, and the last nine wickets fell for just 103 runs.Katie George and Bethan Ellis briefly threatened to guide Sparks to victory, but Armitage's heroics in the final over proved decisive. She dismissed George for 35, trapped Ria Fackrell lbw, and ran out Grace Potts to seal the win.The match showcased the depth and competitiveness of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, with both teams displaying resilience and determination throughout. Diamonds' victory was a testament to their ability to perform under pressure, while Sparks will rue the missed opportunity to secure a valuable win.

Somerset's appointment of England captain Heather Knight to their board has been hailed as a shrewd move by England Women's head coach Jon Lewis. Knight's role will involve advising on cricketing matters as Somerset prepares to compete in the top tier of the new domestic women's competition next year.Lewis believes Knight's experience and knowledge will be invaluable to Somerset, who are one of three new teams joining the top flight alongside Durham and Essex. "Somerset have made a really smart decision in getting someone involved in their board who's got a real intrinsic knowledge of women's cricket," Lewis said.Knight's appointment comes at a critical time for women's cricket in England and Wales, with the regional set-up set to be disbanded after this summer. Many players face moving to different cities to play at the highest level, or playing in the lower tiers of the new competition.Knight is acutely aware of the challenges facing players and has emphasized the importance of supporting them during this transition. "It's important that the girls are looked after and helped to transition into the new structure," she said.Meanwhile, Bess Heath may find herself taking on more wicketkeeping duties for Northern Diamonds after being earmarked as Amy Jones' understudy in the England set-up. Lewis expressed concern that Heath had not been keeping wicket regularly for Diamonds, despite being one of the best young wicketkeepers in the country."It does really concern me that one of the best young wicketkeepers in the country isn't keeping wicket," Lewis said. "She's a really dynamic batter and we hope that she's able to keep wicket for the Diamonds."Heath's importance as a back-up keeper for England was highlighted by the omission of Tammy Beaumont from the T20I squad to face Pakistan. Lewis emphasized the need to balance Heath's development with providing cover for Jones."We need to balance her development with as equal a dose of playing as we can, whilst also having cover for Amy Jones because we would look a little bit silly if Amy injured a finger during a game or during warm-ups and we didn't have a keeper around," Lewis said.

Pakistan's women's cricket team finally secured their first victory of the tour against West Indies, showcasing a dominant performance in both batting and bowling. After winning the toss and electing to bat, West Indies struggled to gain momentum, with Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar claiming three wickets each to restrict them to a mere 84 runs.Pakistan's chase was a stark contrast to their previous defeat in the third T20I. Led by Ayesha Zafar's composed 42 not out, they cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare. Zafar's innings was characterized by precise shot-making and boundary-hitting, ensuring a steady flow of runs.The victory marked a significant improvement for Pakistan, who had previously struggled to find their rhythm on the tour. The team's determination and focus were evident from the outset, with Qina Joseph's early dismissal setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.West Indies' batting woes were compounded by the loss of their captain, Hayley Matthews, who managed only a single run before being caught off Fatima Sana's bowling. Shemaine Campbelle's 26-run knock provided some resistance, but her untimely run-out triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose four wickets for as many runs.Pakistan's openers, Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali, provided a solid start to the chase before falling in quick succession. However, Zafar and Gull Feroza took control, guiding Pakistan to victory with ease. Zafar's elegant boundary over mid-on sealed the win, marking a fitting end to a comprehensive performance.

India, buoyed by their dominant performances in the first two matches, will aim to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh when they face off in the third encounter on Thursday.The Indian team has been firing on all cylinders, with their bowling unit restricting Bangladesh to modest totals. Spinners Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil have been economical, while pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has starred with the ball in the opener. Pooja Vastrakar has also been a handy contributor.In the batting department, Dayalan Hemalatha has impressed with her explosive batting during the powerplay, crafting an unbeaten 24-ball 41 in the last game. Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Richa Ghosh have also contributed runs. However, star opener Smriti Mandhana will be eager to find form.India's collective team effort has been a key factor in their success so far, and they will be looking for more of the same in the remaining games. The series holds added significance as the T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be desperate to improve their performance in all three departments. Their batters have struggled to post big totals, while the bowlers have been unable to contain the Indian batters. The fielding has also been found wanting.

Western Storm's remarkable batting performance propelled them to an unlikely victory over South East Stars in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter. Despite facing a daunting target of 299 in a rain-shortened contest, Storm reached 236-5 before the weather intervened, securing an eight-run triumph via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method.Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson played pivotal roles for Storm, anchoring the chase with assured half-centuries. Luff's 59 off 73 balls and Wilson's 65 off 52 balls formed the backbone of a 131-run partnership that put Storm firmly in contention. Nat Wraith's unbeaten 40 further boosted their hopes.Earlier, South East Stars had set a formidable total of 298-5, thanks to Paige Scholfield's 74, Alice Davidson-Richards' 65, and Aylish Cranstone's unbeaten 63. The trio's aggressive batting put Storm under pressure, but the home side's bowlers fought back to restrict the visitors in the latter stages.Storm's victory marks their first over Stars this season and their second consecutive win. They now have an opportunity to challenge for the title when they host Southern Vipers on Saturday.