Indian eves clinch series

Opener Vanitha V R followed up her 76 in the first match with  run-a-ball 42 while Neena M Chaudhary and Neha R Tanwar put on a fourth-wicket stand of 105 as India 'A' women defeated Bangladesh 'A' by five wickets in the second match to clinch the  three-match series 2-0 at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar here.

Vanitha slammed four fours and two mighty sixes during her knock, while Neena (56, 80b, 9x4) and Neha (44, 92b, 3x4) produced solid knocks as India overcame Bangladesh's spirited challenge. The visitors, who won the toss and elected to bat, made 195 for seven in 50 overs and the Indians overhauled the target in 48.1 overs for the loss of five wickets.

It wasn't an easy chase as the score board may suggest otherwise. The Bangladesh team's spin quartet of Khadiza Tul Kubra, Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed and Shaila Sharmin kept the free-scoring Indians in control while some tight fielding made it tougher for the home team after Vanitha's early blitz.

Continuing her blistering form, Vanitha was in a punishing mood, sending the Bangladesh women on a leather hunt. Along with a docile partner S Meghana, she added 50 in ten overs. However, Vanitha was caught plumb in front of the wickets by Salma Khatun, trying to go for another mighty hoick.

After the departure of Vanitha, the Indian scoring rate dipped as they reached 105 in 30 overs. With 91 needed in next 20 overs, Neena finally cut loose in the company of Neha. Both Neena and Neha were run out in successive overs and it was left to their captain Anuja A Patil (18 n.o.) to guide the team home along with Nuzhat Parween.

The Indian team, which effected four changes to its composition, bringing in Meghana, Neha R Tanwar, Shivangi Raj, and Manasi Joshi, in place of Thirushkamini M D, Devika Vaidya, Preeti Bose and Kavita Patil, had earlier done well to restrict their rivals below 200.

Lata Mondol top-scored for Bangladesh with 71 (5x4) before being run out while Rumana Ahmed 65 (3x4) too departed in the same manner. The duo added 107 runs to help the team post a fighting total.

The third match will be played on Thursday.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 'A': 195/7 in 50 overs (Lata Mondol 71, Rumana Ahmed 65) lost to to India 'A': 196/5 in 48.1 overs (Vanitha V R 42, Neena M Chaudhary 56, Neha R Tanwar 44).