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SOUTHAMPTON: Bangladesh Women secured a 23-run victory over Pakistan Women in their Women’s T20 World Cup Group 1 encounter at Southampton on Saturday.
Powered by Shorna Akter’s blistering late cameo and a dominant spin-bowling display Bangladesh earned the victory in a style.
Choosing to bat first, Bangladesh recovered from a disastrous start to post 123 for six before their spinners restricted Pakistan to 100 for eight in their 20 overs. Bangladesh’s innings was in tatters early on as Pakistan seamers Fatima Sana and Tasmia Rubab tore through the top order, reducing them to 13 for three within the first five overs.
Captain Nigar Sultana anchored the recovery with a steady 36 off 38 balls, combining with Sobhana Mostary (22) to stabilize the innings. However, it was Shorna Akter who provided the decisive momentum, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 22 deliveries, including five boundaries, to push Bangladesh to a competitive total. Fatima Sana was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of two for 18 from her four overs.
In reply, Pakistan seemed firmly in control during the powerplay as openers Muneeba Ali (25) and Gull Feroza (23) put on a solid 49-run opening stand. The match turned on its head when left-arm spinner Nahida Akter broke the partnership by removing Feroza, triggering a catastrophic batting collapse. Pakistan’s middle order had no answers for Bangladesh’s spin twins, as Nahida Akter (3-18) and Sanjida Akter Meghla (3-21) dismantled the lineup. Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 35 runs as they crumbled from 49 without loss to 84 for eight, completely stalling the chase. Nashra Sandhu (9 not out) and Tasmia Rubab (7 not out) batted out the final overs but could only reduce the margin of defeat. Shorna Akter was named Player of the Match for her crucial late-innings blitz that ultimately made the difference.
Pakistan team mentor Wahab Riaz was disappointed by his charges performance.
“When you are 72 for 2 in 12 overs, and then suddenly you collapse I have no answer for that, to be very honest,” Wahab said in the post-match press conference.
“I think we have defeated ourselves and the credit goes to the Bangladesh team that they kept their nerves. I think the credit goes to them.”
