Bangladesh beat Pakistan in Women’s World Cup

Spinners Nahida Akhtar and Sanjida Akhtar Meghla took three wickets each after a cameo innings by Swarna Akhtar as Bangladesh registered a crucial 23-run win over Pakistan in their third Group A match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The win kept Bangladesh in contention for a place in the semi-finals. This was Bangladesh’s second win in three matches and they moved up to third place in the six-team Group ‘A’ points table with four points.

Batting first, Swarna came to the crease after losing 5 wickets for 72 runs. She played an unbeaten innings of 39 runs off just 22 balls to take Bangladesh’s total to 123 runs for 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan got off to a good start with 49 runs scored by the opening pair of Muniba Ali (25) and Gul Feroza (23). However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially the two left-arm spinners, later turned the tide of the match.

After Nahida (3-18) quickly dismissed the two openers, Meghla (3-21) took two wickets in the same over, where she dismissed Ayesha Zafar (11) and Alia Riaz for nil. As a result, Pakistan, who were 49 for no loss, suddenly became 84 for 8. When they lost 8 wickets for just 35 runs, control of the match completely fell into the hands of Bangladesh.

Rabeya Khan and Ritu Mani contributed with one wicket each as Pakistan’s innings stalled at 100 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs.

The loss almost ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals, as it was their third consecutive defeat in the tournament.

Earlier, Bangladesh faced a disaster in the opening innings, losing 3 wickets for just 13 runs in 5 overs. Skipper Nigar Sultana Jyoti managed to salvage the match with a responsible 36 off 38 balls. She put on two crucial partnerships of 35 and 24 runs with Sobhana Mostari (22 off 19 balls) and Ritu Moni (7) respectively.

However, Bangladesh gained a fighting capital in the end, relying on the stormy batting of Swarna, which was later defended brilliantly by the bowlers.

Swarna was adjudged the Man of the Match for this match-winning innings.

The Tigresses started their World Cup campaign with a 6-wicket win over the Netherlands, before losing to Australia by 9 wickets.

Bangladesh will face India in their fourth and next match of the group stage on June 25 in Manchester.