Bangladesh Women are set to take on mighty India tomorrow (April 28) in their first T20 International of the five-match series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
India Women's team though would start the series as favourite, Bangladesh of late made a huge stride, pushing the mighty neighbouring country hard in their last tour in Bangladesh.
Last year when India toured Bangladesh, they had to toil to win the three-match T20 series by 2-1.
Bangladesh won a game, which was their second victory against India in this format and drew the three-match ODI series by 1-1 after dramatically forcing India to tie the third game.
Overall India won 11 matches between two sides after playing 13 matches.
Bangladesh's form however was a little bit worrisome as they came to the series with the back of a six straight defeats against Australia.
The Tigresses as it is adorably called, were whitewashed against Australia in both three-match ODI and T20 series.
India's last tour here in Bangladesh was eventful one. During the last ODI, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur smashed the stump by his bat after being given out and then lashed out at the umpires vehemently for poor umpiring. The game was tied at the end.
"A lot of learning from this game," Harmanpreet said at the presentation ceremony at that time. "Even apart from the cricket, the type of umpiring that was happening there, we were very surprised. The next time whenever we are coming to Bangladesh, we'll have to make sure we have to deal with this kind of umpiring and accordingly, we'll have to prepare ourselves."
The umpire Tanvir Ahmed who was blamed by India captain was not included in the umpiring panel in this series.
This time, the environment seemed to be amicable. Nigar Sultana Joty, Captain of Bangladesh and her Indian counterpart Harmanpreet Kaur unveiled the five-match T20i series trophy in front of the historic Ali Amjad's Clock on the banks of the River Surma in Sylhet (beside the Keane Bridge).
BDST: 1947 HRS, APR 27, 2024
MN/SMS