Tigresses beat Pakistan by 23 runs to boost T20 World Cup campaign

Bangladesh Women today (20 June) strengthened their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing 23-run victory over Pakistan Women in Southampton, producing a disciplined all-round performance to register their second win of the tournament.

Defending a modest total of 123, Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered under pressure after Pakistan made a strong start to the chase. Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akter Meghla shared six wickets between them to restrict Pakistan to 100-8 from 20 overs.

Pakistan appeared in control during the powerplay, reaching 41 without loss despite a maiden opening over from Marufa Akter. However, Bangladesh turned the match on its head immediately after the fielding restrictions ended.

Nahida provided the breakthrough by dismissing Gull Feroza for 23 before removing Muneeba Ali for 25 in her next over. The twin strikes shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.

Meghla then tightened Bangladesh’s grip on the contest, dismissing Ayesha Zafar and Aliya Riaz in the same over to leave Pakistan reeling at 70-4.

Pakistan struggled to recover as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Rabeya Khan further dented the chase by removing Iram Javed and bowling a wicket-maiden over that pushed the required run rate beyond reach.

Captain Fatima Sana attempted to keep Pakistan in the contest, but Nahida effectively ended their hopes when she dismissed the skipper for 10 in the 18th over.

Needing 30 runs from the final over, Pakistan had little chance of mounting a comeback and eventually finished 23 runs short of the target.

Earlier, Bangladesh overcame a shaky start to post 123-6 after electing to bat first.

The innings began disastrously as Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akhter departed with just five runs on the board. Juairiya Ferdous also fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 13-3.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a crucial partnership after Bangladesh managed only 23 runs in the powerplay.

Mostary contributed 22 off 19 balls before departing, while Joty anchored the innings with a composed 36 from 38 deliveries.

The decisive contribution came from Shorna Akter, whose unbeaten 39 off 22 balls lifted Bangladesh to a competitive total. The youngster struck five boundaries in an aggressive late-innings cameo that provided the momentum Bangladesh needed.

For Pakistan, Fatima Sana was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan and Sadia Iqbal claimed one wicket each.

Nahida and Meghla finished with three wickets apiece for Bangladesh, while Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni chipped in with one wicket each as Bangladesh completed a memorable victory.