The 3rd and Final ODI match between India and Bangladesh women’s teams saw roller-coaster emotions as the match swung from one corner to another, keeping the fans and everyone hooked. It eventually ended in a draw after Marufa Akter picked Meghna’s wicket in the Final Over of the match.
Bangladesh posted a total of 225 Runs after 50 overs, their highest-ever team total in the ODI format so far, beating their previous best score in the year 2013. Confident Bangladeshi bowlers started it on a high when they came out to defend their total, dismissing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia quite cheaply. But a solid partnership between Harleen Deol and Smriti Mandhana ensured that India steadied their ship and cruised ahead to the total.
But a turning point in the game came when Harmanpreet Kaur was given out leg before wicket by the umpire. Disappointed Harmanpreet Kaur punched her bat, argued with the umpire, and threw her bat into the stumps before walking off the ground. As she walked back to the pavilion, she gestured to the crowd who were now celebrating her wicket.
"We have to deal with this type of umpiring"
~ Harmanpreet Kaur#CricketTwitter #BANvIND pic.twitter.com/O0e7p8MuIU
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 22, 2023
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, Article 2.2 covers “Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match,” which makes specific reference to “any action(s) outside the course of normal cricket actions, such as hitting or kicking the wickets”.
If the match referee deems Kaur has breached Article 2.2, she could face adding Suspension Points to her record and/or a fine from her match fee.
The match ended in a Tie after Marufa Akter picked the final wicket of Meghna Singh when India needed just 1 Run in 4 Balls. In the post-match presentation ceremony, Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t control her emotions and went on to criticize the poor umpiring on Bangladeshi soil.
Harmanpreet Kaur said: “I think a lot of learning for us from the game. Even apart from the cricket, the kind of umpiring that was happening we were very surprised. The next time when we come to Bangladesh we will make sure we have to deal with this type of umpiring and prepare ourselves accordingly.
“They (Bangladesh) batted really well, batted according to the situation. They were taking those singles which were very crucial. In between we leaked a few runs but when we were batting, we controlled the game very well but as I mentioned earlier some pathetic umpiring was done and we are really disappointed about some decisions given by the umpires.
The controversial dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur #CricketTwitter #BANvIND pic.twitter.com/XEGdTMgRJd
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 22, 2023
“My hand is fine. She [Harleen] looked very promising in the last game, so we promoted her to bat freely and she took the opportunity with both hands. Jemi was really good throughout the innings. She played that crucial innings for us. Good game, lot of learnings and lastly our High Commission from India is also there and I hope you could have invited him here, but that is also fine. And thank you sir for coming here.”
The ODI series ended in a Tie and the T20I series was won by India 2-1.
Watch Video: Harmanpreet Kaur in the post-match presentation
"I mentioned earlier some pathetic umpiring was done and we are really disappointed"
~ Harmanpreet Kaur in the post-match presentation #CricketTwitter #BANvIND pic.twitter.com/ytdJP13Z84
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 22, 2023
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