IND vs BAN, 2nd T20I: Hemalatha Dayalan, Radha Yadav star on comeback trail as India win rain-hit match for 2-0 lead

Hemalatha Dayalan is no stranger to a comeback. She might not have made it to India’s squad if Jemimah Rodrigues was fit. She might not have been in the playing XI in Sylhet if Yastika Bhatia had not picked up a niggle. But, given a chance to play for India again for the first time in a year and a half, her cameo earned her the Player of the Match award on Tuesday.

Another player on the comeback trail is Radha Yadav. Much like Hemalatha, the left-arm spinner had fallen out of favour and last played for India more than a year ago. Seen as a T20 specialist for most of her career, the wickets dried up for the once prolific Radha (she once had a streak of 27 straight T20Is where she picked up at least one wicket). But back on the weight of her domestic returns and a solid WPL season for finalists Delhi Capitals, she finished with figures of 3/19 to peg Bangladesh back after a decent start.

It’s easy to get bogged down by the pressure of a comeback, some even consider it tougher than a debut. It augurs well for India though that Hemalatha and Radha have embraced this challenge. After a convincing win in the opener, Harmanpreet Kaur and Co won by 19 runs (DLS method) to take a 2-0 lead.

Asked to bowl first, India saw Bangladesh batters come out with much better intent than their timid display in the opener. Going at nearly run-a-ball at the halfway stage, they were then halted on their tracks by a game-changing over by Radha. First, was the wicket of Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh’s mainstay. India were perhaps a bit fortunate to receive LBW in their favour. Next ball, she trapped Fahima Khatun plumb to setup a hat-trick ball. In the 19th over, she deceived Rabeya Khan with her flight and had her stumped. For good measure, Radha also effected a run out of her own bowling.

Chasing 120, India lost Shafali Verma for a first-ball duck. With rain around, they had to ensure they didn’t get bogged down early on… and Hemalatha came out all guns blazing to play a statement knock at No 3. With Bangladesh going to spin early to test Smriti Mandhana, but it is bread and butter for Hemalatha who has piled on runs in the domestic circuit for Railways. She stepped out and slammed a six over midwicket. She then hit the pacers for good measure too, peppering the offside boundary. Nahida wasn’t spared, with a six and four to start the 5th over.

With rain returning just after enough overs were bowled for having a result, Hemalatha’s knock ensured India were well ahead. “Hemalatha is one who has done really well in domestic cricket and has won crucial games for Railways. We wanted to give her the opportunities, and let her play with freedom. She has worked really hard and today, she played freely and it was great to see,” Harmanpreet said post-match.

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Hemalatha’s ability to attack spin, and play lower down the order, could be a useful asset for India at the World Cup. It adds to the options they have. “I always wanted this kind of headache,” the captain said with a chuckle.

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