By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau)
In the era of T20 cricket, a total of 123 runs is widely considered a ‘modest’ target. However, proving once again that cricket is a game of uncertainties until the very last ball, the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Team defended this low score with sheer brilliance. Combining disciplined bowling, mesmerizing spin, and exceptional fielding agility, the Tigresses defeated Pakistan by 23 runs to clinch their second victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. With this win, Bangladesh keeps its semifinal hopes alive.
Early Collapse, Swarna’s Cameo Sets Fighting Total
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh suffered a disastrous start. Both openers, Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter, returned to the pavilion with just 5 runs on the scoreboard. When Jaiyeria Ferdous departed at a team total of 13, Bangladesh found themselves pushed firmly onto the back foot.
From that precarious position, captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sobhana Mostary initiated the recovery. Joty anchored the innings with a well-made 36 off 38 balls, while Sobhana played a crucial hand of 22 runs off 19 balls. However, the game-changing innings came from the bat of Shorna Akter. The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten, blistering 39 off just 22 deliveries, laced with 5 boundaries. Her aggressive batting in the death overs propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 123 for 6 in their stipulated 20 overs.
For Pakistan, captain Fatima Sana was the pick of the bowlers, conceding a mere 18 runs for her 2 wickets in 4 overs.
Pakistan’s Strong Start and Nahida’s Initial Breakthrough
Chasing a target of 124, Pakistan got off to a flying start. Openers Muneeba Ali (25) and Gull Feroza (23) forged a solid 49-run opening partnership, putting Pakistan in a commanding position. It was at this juncture that the Bangladeshi bowlers unleashed their master plan. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter provided the crucial breakthrough by sending both openers packing. She broke the backbone of the Pakistani batting lineup, finishing with stellar figures of 3 for 18 in her 4 overs.
Match Turning Point: Meghla’s ‘Magic Over’
The real drama, however, unfolded in the 11th over. With Pakistan cruising comfortably at 58 for 2, leg-spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla was brought into the attack, and she turned the game completely on its head within a single over.
* First Scalp: She trapped the dangerous-looking Ayesha Zafar (11) right in front of the stumps (LBW).
* Second Scalp: In the very same over, she clean-bowled Pakistan’s experienced batter Aliya Riaz for a duck.
Losing two vital wickets as their score staggered from 58 to 70, Pakistan crumbled under pressure and could never recover. Meghla finished her brilliant spell with figures of 3 for 21. Meanwhile, Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni picked up a wicket each to maintain the stranglehold. Ultimately, Pakistan’s innings choked out at 100 for 8 in their 20 overs.
‘The way the girls fought on the field defending a low total, and how the spinners turned the match around, is truly commendable. This victory gives us immense confidence going forward’- Nigar Sultana Joty, Captain, Bangladesh Team.
Match Summary at a Glance
Bangladesh Women: 123/6 (20 overs), Shorna Akter 39*, Nigar Sultana 36, Nahida Akter 3/18, Sanjida Akter 3/21.
Pakistan Women: 100/8 (20 overs), Muneeba Ali 25, Gull Feroza 23, Fatima Sana 2/18 |
Result: Bangladesh won by 23 runs.
Player of the Match: Shorna Akter (Bangladesh).
Shorna Akter was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match for her crucial, unbeaten 39-run cameo that shifted the momentum. This dominant display by the bowlers once again highlights the rising prowess of Bangladesh in women’s global cricket.
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The Writer:
Maksuda Lisa: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
