In a thrilling contest at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over Pakistan women in the first T20I of the series. Bangladesh successfully chased down a target of 83 runs, winning with just three balls to spare. The second T20I is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Friday.
Pakistan, who were put into bat, found themselves struggling to build a substantial total, eventually being bowled out for 82 runs in 19.2 overs. Bismah Maroof was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing 20 runs off 29 balls, while Nida Dar made a 21-ball 14. Muneeba Ali and Natalia Parvaiz also reached double figures in their innings.
Nahida Akter, the left-arm spinner from Bangladesh, was the star of the show with the ball, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul for just eight runs in 3.4 overs. Her outstanding performance significantly restricted Pakistan’s run-scoring.
In reply, Bangladesh had to chase down a target of 83 runs. They faced a tight bowling effort from Pakistan, especially during the powerplay, where only one boundary was scored. Shamima Sultana was run out for 5 runs on the last ball of the fourth over, leaving Bangladesh at 20 for one.
At the end of the 10th over, Bangladesh had reached 33 for two, with 50 runs needed from the remaining 10 overs. Sobhana Mostary contributed 16 runs before falling to Umm-e-Hani’s off-spin. Despite facing some setbacks, Bangladesh kept their composure in the chase.
Captain Nigar Sultana played a crucial role, finishing unbeaten on 26 runs from 28 balls, including three boundaries. Her innings guided Bangladesh to victory, as they reached 86 for five in 19.3 overs. The win was secured in the final over, with Nigar striking a boundary to seal the victory.
Nashra Sundhu, the left-arm spinner for Pakistan, reached a significant milestone in her career by taking her 50th T20I wicket when she dismissed Murshida Khatun in the 15th over.
In recognition of her exceptional performance with the ball, Nahida Akter was named the Player of the Match. Her five-wicket haul was instrumental in Bangladesh’s victory.
With this win, Bangladesh has taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I series against Pakistan. The two teams will face each other once again at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on 27 October.
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