Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 23 runs, keep Women's T20 World Cup hopes alive

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh bounced back from a disastrous start to stun Pakistan by 23 runs in their Women’s T20 World Cup clash, keeping their campaign alive while condemning their opponents to a third successive defeat.After electing to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 13/3 as Pakistan’s bowlers struck early. Captain Nigar Sultana steadied the innings with a composed effort in the middle overs, but scoring remained difficult against the disciplined trio of Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana.

Just when Bangladesh appeared headed for a below-par total, Shorna Akter produced a game-changing cameo.

The all-rounder smashed 39 off just 22 balls, helping her side plunder 43 runs in the final four overs and finish on 123/6.Pakistan made a confident start to the chase, with openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza putting on 49 runs for the first wicket. However, Bangladesh wrested back control after both openers departed. Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla struck twice in the 12th over to leave Pakistan reeling at 70/4.

From there, the chase unraveled. Pakistan lost momentum and struggled to score freely against Bangladesh’s spin trio of Meghla, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter. The batting side managed just 30 runs in the last eight overs and eventually finished on 100/8, falling well short of the target.Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana credited Shorna’s late assault for changing the course of the match and praised her bowlers for fighting relentlessly despite defending a modest total.

“The way she played, actually, she changed the whole scenario,” Nigar said of the Player of the Match.Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana admitted her side had no excuses for the defeat and called on the senior players to take greater responsibility.Shorna, meanwhile, said she was happy to bat wherever the team required and focused on fulfilling her role when she arrived at the crease.