Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team reignited its ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 23-run victory over Pakistan at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, keeping alive hopes of reaching the tournament’s semifinals for the first time.
The win, built on a resilient batting recovery and a disciplined spin-bowling display, lifted Bangladesh to third place in Group A with four points from three matches. While six-time champions Australia remain unbeaten at the top of the group and India occupy second place with two wins from two games, Bangladesh remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
For a team that suffered a heavy defeat against Australia earlier in the tournament, the victory represented a timely response and showcased the growing maturity of a side led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty.
Early Collapse Threatens Bangladesh
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh endured a disastrous start. Openers and top-order batters struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined new-ball attack, leaving the team reeling at 13 for 3.
Dilara Akter managed just five runs, Juairiya Ferdous scored seven, and Sharmin Akhter was dismissed without scoring. Pakistan appeared poised to dominate the contest as captain Fatima Sana struck early and applied pressure on Bangladesh’s fragile top order.
At that point, Bangladesh faced the prospect of posting an uncompetitive total on a pitch that offered assistance to bowlers.
Nigar and Sobhana Rebuild
The innings was rescued by captain Nigar Sultana and middle-order batter Sobhana Mostary, who steadied the innings with a crucial partnership.
Nigar produced a composed knock of 36 from 38 deliveries, striking five boundaries while carefully rebuilding after the early collapse. Sobhana contributed 22 from 19 balls and helped restore momentum during the middle overs.
The partnership frustrated Pakistan and ensured Bangladesh remained within reach of a defendable total.
Shorna Akter’s Late Heroics
The decisive contribution came from young all-rounder Shorna Akter.
Batting aggressively in the closing overs, Shorna smashed an unbeaten 39 from just 22 balls, hitting five boundaries and accelerating the scoring rate when Bangladesh desperately needed quick runs.
Her late flourish pushed Bangladesh to 123 for 6 from 20 overs — a total that appeared modest but ultimately proved sufficient.
The International Cricket Council later highlighted Shorna’s innings as the defining batting performance of the match, and she was named Player of the Match. (icc)
Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Fatima Sana, who claimed two wickets, while Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab and Nashra Sandhu each took one wicket.
Pakistan Start Well Before Collapse
Chasing 124, Pakistan began confidently.
Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza shared a 49-run opening partnership and appeared on course to guide Pakistan toward victory.
Muneeba scored 25 from 30 deliveries while Gull contributed 23 from 18 balls. The pair negotiated the powerplay effectively and put Bangladesh under pressure.
However, Bangladesh’s spin attack transformed the match.
Bangladesh’s Spinners Take Control
Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter provided the breakthrough by dismissing Gull Feroza before removing Muneeba Ali shortly afterward.
Her twin strikes shifted momentum dramatically and exposed Pakistan’s vulnerable middle order.
From a comfortable 49 for 1, Pakistan collapsed under sustained pressure as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight lines and forced mistakes. The Pakistani batting lineup crumbled to 84 for 8, losing wickets in rapid succession.
Nahida finished with figures of 3 for 18, while off-spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla matched her with 3 for 21. Together they dismantled Pakistan’s middle order and effectively sealed the contest.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was unable to mount a rescue operation, scoring only 10 runs from 17 deliveries.
At the end of 20 overs, Pakistan were restricted to 100 for 8, handing Bangladesh a memorable 23-run victory.
Semifinal Race Still Open
The victory keeps Bangladesh alive in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
According to the ICC, Australia have won all three of their matches and sit comfortably atop Group A, while India remain unbeaten in second place. Bangladesh’s win over Pakistan moved them into third place with two victories from three matches and significantly strengthened their chances of challenging for a semifinal berth.
The tournament’s format allows the top two teams from each group to advance to the semifinals. With several group matches still to be played, Bangladesh remain within striking distance of a historic qualification.
For Bangladesh cricket, the result carries significance beyond the points table. Women’s cricket in the country has steadily developed over the past decade, producing talented players capable of competing with established international sides. The current World Cup campaign has offered further evidence of that progress, particularly through the performances of players such as Nigar Sultana, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter and Shorna Akter.
While tougher challenges lie ahead, Bangladesh now have something they lacked after the Australia defeat: momentum.
If the Tigresses can maintain the discipline and fighting spirit displayed against Pakistan, the dream of a first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal appearance remains very much alive.
