Women's World Cup: Yastika Bhatia fifty helps India post 229 in crunch game vs Bangladesh

Women's World Cup 2022: India rode on Yastika Bhatia's fifty and quickfire knocks from Shafali Verma and Pooja Vastrakar to post a total in excess of 220 in their must-win game against Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Yastika Bhatia's 3rd ODI fifty propelled India to a par score of 229/7 in 50 overs against Bangladesh in their must-win Womon's World Cup 2022 match in Hamilton on Tuesday, March 22. It was the 2nd successive fifty for the left-hander, who once again batted at No. 3 for India at the showpiece event.

India, who have won only 2 of their first 5 games, need nothing less than a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. Fortunately, the rain gods have stayed away so far even as the forecast was tricky for Tuesday.

India got off to a terrific start as they retained their opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma from their previous match. Smriti took her time, anchoring the innings, hitting 31 from 50 balls while Shafali was the aggressor in the first 10 overs.

The young opener, who has been under tremendous pressure over a string of low scores, looked sharp, hitting 42 in as many balls. Shafali hit a six and 6 boundaries as India stitched an opening stand of 74 runs before Nahida Akhter got the wicket of Smriti in the 15th over.

After opting to bat first, #TeamIndia have posted a competitive 229-7. @YastikaBhatia top scores with 50.Stay tuned as our bowlers will be in action after a break.Details https://t.co/ZOTtBWYhWG#CWC22 | #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/EUQkKmBMuo

Shafali fell right after with medium-pacer Ritu Moni getting the big wicket. The Bangladesh bowler was on a hat-trick as she got the prized scalp of captain Mithali Raj in the very next delivery.

YASTIKA STEADIES INDIA