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All eyes were on India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur. The third ODI was reaching its climax, and the stakes were high. Harmanpreet was leading India's run-chase when a controversial decision by the umpire led to an explosive outburst from the fiery skipper.
It was the 34th over of the Indian innings, and Harmanpreet faced spinner Nahida Akter's delivery. She attempted a sweep, but it seemed she had missed the ball, and it brushed off her pads towards slip. The fielder at slip managed to catch the ball, but before the catch was completed, Akter confidently appealed for a leg-before wicket. To India's dismay, the umpire raised the dreaded finger, signaling Harmanpreet's dismissal.
Frustration and disbelief engulfed Harmanpreet as she firmly believed she had made contact with the ball before it hit her pads. In an outburst of emotion, she forcefully hit the stumps with her bat, asserting that there was indeed bat involved. Despite her protests, the umpire's decision remained unchanged.
Harmanpreet Kaur Hits The Stumps With Her Bat In Anger After On-Field Umpire Rules Her LBW In 3rd ODI pic.twitter.com/09SVb8mF8C
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) July 22, 2023
Harmanpreet's dismissal turned out to be a turning point in the game. It triggered a batting collapse as Harleen Deol was dismissed shortly after for her brilliant 77-run knock. India lost five more wickets within just 34 runs, putting them in a precarious position.
The match eventually ended in a thrilling tie, with the Indian women's team unable to secure a victory. As Harmanpreet walked back to the pavilion, her frustration still evident, Jemimah Rodrigues stood firm at the crease, remaining unbeaten on 33 off 45 deliveries.
Earlier in the game, Fargana Hoque played a stellar inning, scoring 107 runs and powering Bangladesh to a competitive total of 225/4 in 50 overs. Sneh Rana was the standout bowler for India, finishing with figures of 2/45 in her 10 overs.
In India's run-chase, Smriti Mandhana and Harleen formed a crucial 107-run partnership, stabilizing the innings after the early dismissals of Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia. Mandhana played well for her 59 runs, but her dismissal brought Harmanpreet to the crease.
Despite the controversy surrounding her dismissal, Harmanpreet showed her prowess at the crease, looking strong until her unfortunate exit in the 34th over.
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The match was a true testament to the competitive spirit and passion of women's cricket. Both teams fought tooth and nail, and while emotions ran high, it was a showcase of the talent and determination of these athletes.
As the cricketing world reflects on this dramatic encounter, fans and experts alike will surely discuss the controversial dismissal and its impact on the match's outcome. One thing is certain: Harmanpreet Kaur's fiery spirit and dedication to the game continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts around the globe.