Radha Yadav (3/24) cruised through Bangladesh's top order after Richa Ghosh's quick unbeaten 28 off 17 balls, which set up India's 21-run win in the fifth T20I and a 5-0 series sweep in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Thursday. Chasing a huge target of 157 runs, Bangladesh started promisingly but collapsed against left-arm spinner Yadav. Despite rearguard action from Ritu Moni (37, 33b, 4×4) and Shorifa Khatun (28 not out, 21b, 3x4s), the hosts finished at 136 for six in 20 overs. All-rounder Moni and Shorifa decisively put up 57 runs for the sixth wicket to lead the charge and put pressure on India, but the visitors ultimately had the upper hand.
The stand between Moni and Khatun was also Bangladesh's highest for the sixth wicket in WT20Is, breaking the 32 between Sanjida Islam and Nigar Sultana.
It was leg-spinner Asha Sobhana (2/25) who broke the resilient partnership, clearing Moni in the 17th over to close the doors on the home side.
Bangladesh were at 52 for five at half-time but Moni and Shorifa renewed their hopes, capitalizing on every chance to score boundaries and with deft rotation of attack.
Yadav made her first impression in the match with an athletic catch to get rid of an on-song Sobhana Mostary (13) from Titas Sadhu. Mostary had hit three fours off Pooja Vastrakar's first over to put her side on track during the chase.
After getting Dilara Akter (4), caught at mid-on by Vastrakar for her first breakthrough off her first ball, Yadav cleared Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana (7) and pinned Rubya Haider (20) in front of the stumps for two wickets in the ninth to derail the hosts.
Earlier, Ghosh hit a nifty little innings with three fours and a six to take India to 156 for five, providing a much-needed boost after the visitors stumbled with a flurry of wickets.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (30), Dayalan Hemalatha (37) and S Sajana (1) fell in quick succession, allowing Bangladesh to halt India's progress as they aimed for a big score.
Harmanpreet and Hemalatha put on 60 runs for the third wicket for a strong base.
India's 156 for five was the highest total of the series by either team, with Smriti Mandhana setting the tone early, hitting four fours and one six to make a flowing 33 off 25 balls.
Yadav finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 10 dismissals in five matches, while Mandhana's 116 runs in five appearances were the most for any batsman.
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