By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau)
In the story of the rise of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, she has always been an unwavering, silent warrior. While the limelight has often fallen on others, she has consistently shouldered the team’s toughest and most crucial responsibilities with her trademark rhythm. She is Nahida Akter. This time, stepping out from the shadows, a fairytale performance has elevated her to an extraordinary height.
On the grand stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the left-arm spinner claimed 3 crucial wickets against Pakistan, bridging her way to the monumental milestone of 200 international wickets. With this feat, Nahida has etched her name into the history books as the first Bangladeshi woman cricketer to achieve this milestone.
Nahida Akhtar is overjoyed after taking her unforgettable and historic 200th wicket. Photo- Collected.
Her memorable performance guided Bangladesh to a 23-run victory over Pakistan, keeping the team’s semifinal hopes alive in the tournament.
Nahida Akter’s Career at a Glance:
• Total International Wickets: 200+ (First Bangladeshi woman cricketer).
• Debut: 2015, at just 15 years of age (Opponent: Pakistan).
• Best Bowling in T20Is: 5 for 8 (Opponent: Pakistan, 2023).
• Best Bowling in ODIs: 5 for 21 (Opponent: Zimbabwe).
A Journey from Adolescence to Legend
A decade ago, on September 30, 2015, a 15-year-old Nahida made her international debut in a T20I match against Pakistan. Just a few days later, on October 4, she earned her ODI cap against the very same opponent.
After a long ten-year journey filled with countless spells and relentless battles, her 200-wicket circle came to a full completion against that same rival. A journey that began in her adolescence has now transformed into one of the most successful and glorious chapters in Bangladesh’s women’s cricket history.
Pakistan: Nahida’s Favorite Opponent and Her Bowling Magic
A glance at Nahida Akter’s career reveals that Pakistan is one of her favorite opponents. The majority of her international wickets have come against this team. The statistics bear testament to this dominance:
* Career-Best T20I Figures: In 2023, she dismantled Pakistan by picking up 5 wickets while conceding a mere 8 runs.
* Dominance at the World Cup: In this crucial, do-or-die World Cup encounter, she took 3 wickets to single-handedly choke Pakistan’s run chase and secure a priceless victory for her country.
As a left-arm spinner, Nahida’s greatest strength lies in her immaculate control. She is a master at deceiving batters with subtle variations in pace and line. Whether opening the bowling with the new ball or choking the run flow during the middle overs, captains have always placed blind faith in this spin wizard.
Recognition of Consistency and Silent Contribution
Nahida’s career is not merely a collection of dry statistics; it is a profound testament to sheer perseverance and consistency. While stars like Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, and Jahanara Alam have frequently stolen the headlines, Nahida has worked tirelessly in the background, establishing herself as the backbone of the team’s spin attack.
Today, she stands as Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in ODI history, while simultaneously maintaining her dominance as one of the country’s most successful T20I bowlers.
‘Reaching the milestone of 200 international wickets on the World Cup stage against Pakistan is not just a number. It is the ultimate recognition of a decade of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the nation.’
Eyes Set Further Ahead…
Though she has touched the historic 200-wicket mark, Nahida’s story is far from over. The eyes of this dependable pillar of Bangladesh cricket are already set further ahead, aiming higher. Cricket enthusiasts firmly believe that this ‘Spin Queen’ will continue her journey, chasing new wickets and elevating the red-and-green flag of Bangladesh to even greater heights on the world stage.
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The Writer:
Maksuda Lisa: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
