India's Spinners Secure Thrilling Victory Over Bangladesh in Second T20I; Take 2-0 Lead

India's spinners delivered a sensational performance to help the team secure an eight-run victory over Bangladesh in a thrilling second T20I, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India struggled to convert starts into substantial scores and could only manage 95 for 8 in their 20 overs, their lowest total against Bangladesh in T20Is. However, the Indian spin trio of Deepti Sharma (3-12), Minnu Mani (2-9), and Shafali Verma (3-15) wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Deepti and Mani spun a web around the Bangladesh batters, accounting for five wickets between them and keeping the hosts in check. Verma joined the party in the final over, cleaning up three tailenders to bowl out Bangladesh for 87 runs.

In the run chase, India's Pooja Vastrakar conceded 10 runs in the opening over, which turned out to be the only over of fast bowling in India's defense. With a spin-friendly surface, Indian captain Harmanpreet employed five spinners, including part-timers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, to exert pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen.

Apart from captain Nigar Sultana, who fought valiantly with a 55-ball 38, none of the Bangladesh batters provided significant support. The middle-order struggled against the spin duo of Mani and Deepti, and Nigar's dismissal when Bangladesh were just 10 runs away triggered a collapse in the final over. Verma's three wickets in five balls sealed the victory for India and secured the series with a game to spare.

Earlier, Shafali Verma top-scored for India with a quickfire 19 off 13 deliveries before falling at the start of the sixth over. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made a run-a-ball 13 before being dismissed, and India lost momentum. Amanjot Kaur's 14 off 17 balls was the next best contribution as India struggled to reach triple figures.

India's victory was a testament to the brilliance of their spinners, who dominated the match and played a pivotal role in securing the win. With an unassailable lead in the series, India will aim to complete a clean sweep in the final T20I against Bangladesh.

Brief scores: India 95/8 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 19; Sultana Khatun 3-21, Fahima Khatun 2-16) beat Bangladesh 87 all out in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 38; Deepti Sharma 3-12, Shafali Verma 3-15, Minnu Mani 2-9) by 8 runs.