SOUTHAMPTON: Pakistan Women’s team suffered their third consecutive defeat in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Saturday, losing to Bangladesh by 23 runs at the Rose Bowl.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck early, removing Dilara Akhtar and Shamim Akhtar in her first two overs. Javeria Firdous followed soon after, leaving Bangladesh in early trouble.
However, skipper Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostari steadied the innings, taking the score to 48 before Sobhana was dismissed for 22. Nigar top-scored with 36 runs, but it was Sharna Akhtar’s explosive 39 off just 22 balls that propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 123 runs.
In reply, Pakistan openers Muniba Ali and Gul Feroza provided a solid start with a 49-run partnership. Gul departed for 23, while Muniba made 25, taking Pakistan to 70 for 2 — well on track for victory.
But what followed was a dramatic batting collapse. Pakistan lost 6 wickets for just 14 runs in the space of 35 balls, as Bangladesh’s bowlers ran through the middle and lower order. Nahida Akhtar and Sanjeed Akhtar wreaked havoc, claiming three wickets each.
Pakistan could only manage 100 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs, falling short by 23 runs — their third loss in as many matches in the tournament.
