Bangladesh Secure Comfortable Win Over Pakistan in U19 Women’s T20 Opener
Bangladesh started their U19 Women’s T20 Tri-Series campaign with a 30-run win over Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium on Friday. A late push with the bat and an effective bowling performance helped the visitors secure a comfortable victory.
Bangladesh captain Sadia Islam chose to bat first, and her decision paid off as the visitors posted 117/8 in their 20 overs.
The visitors did not get off to a good start, but Sadia Akter changed the momentum after walking in at No.5 with the score at 30/3. She played an attacking unbeaten knock of 34 from 25 balls, hitting two sixes and a four to give Bangladesh a much-needed boost.
Beside Sadia, Nishita Akter Nishi added 23 runs at the top of the order, while Sraboni Rani Shil scored 12 to give Bangladesh a decent total.
From the bowling perspective, Mahnoor Zeb was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, as she took three wickets for 24 runs from her four overs. Besides her, Rozina Akram claimed two wickets, while Shahar Bano and Maham Nazakat picked up one each.
In the second innings, Pakistan struggled to build any momentum in their chase and finished on 87/6 from 20 overs. This allowed Bangladesh to easily defend their total and win the match by a decent margin of 30 runs.
Komal Khan spent most of the time at the crease but could manage only 29 from 39 balls. She hit three fours during her stay and remained Pakistan’s leading run-scorer.
Apart from Komal, Ravail Farhan and Zoofishan Ayyaz were the only other Pakistan batters to reach double figures, with Ayyaz making 12. Credit should be given to the Bangladesh bowling attack here, as they kept things tight in the middle, with Nishita Akter Nishi making the biggest impact by taking 2/16 in her four overs.
Meanwhile, Farjana Easmin and Afrin Mim also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket each to support Nishita’s effort.
The result gave Bangladesh two points from their first game and placed them first in the tri-series standings. Pakistan, meanwhile, were left at the bottom after starting their campaign with a big loss on home ground.
