Tigresses knock Pakistan out of Women's T20 World Cup with 23-run victory
Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 23-run victory in Southampton, condemning Pakistan to a third consecutive defeat and early elimination from the tournament
Bangladesh produced a spirited all-round display to eliminate Pakistan from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a 23-run victory in Southampton today (20 June).
The win, Bangladesh's second of the tournament, lifted them to third place in Group 1, above South Africa, who have a game in hand.
Pakistan, meanwhile, slumped to their third defeat in as many matches and were knocked out of the competition with two group-stage fixtures still to play.
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Bangladesh's victory was built on two remarkable recoveries.
After collapsing to 13-3 inside the first five overs, they fought back through captain Nigar Sultana Joty, Sobhana Mostary and a late assault from Shorna Akter to post 123-6.
The bowlers then overturned Pakistan's strong start, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw the chasing side lose eight wickets for just 35 runs.
Pakistan appeared to be cruising at 49 without loss in the eighth over before Bangladesh's spinners seized control.
Nahida Akter provided the breakthrough when Gull Feroza was caught at point for 23. She struck again in her next over to remove Muneeba Ali for 25, shifting the momentum decisively in Bangladesh's favour.
Sanjida Akter Meghla, brought into the side as Bangladesh's only change from the defeat against Australia, then dismantled Pakistan's middle order. She dismissed Ayesha Zafar and Aliya Riaz in the same over before sending back Saira Jabeen for a duck.
From a commanding position, Pakistan slipped to 84-7 and never recovered.
Captain Fatima Sana, who had earlier starred with the ball, was left carrying Pakistan's hopes. But Nahida effectively ended the contest when she dismissed the skipper at the start of the 18th over.
Pakistan eventually finished on 100-8, falling 23 runs short of the target.
Nahida and Meghla finished with three wickets apiece as Bangladesh's spinners strangled the chase through the middle overs.
Shorna rescues Bangladesh after top-order collapse
Earlier, Bangladesh endured a disastrous start after being sent in to bat.
Fatima struck twice in her opening spell, removing Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akhter to leave Bangladesh in early trouble. The Pakistan captain's opening figures of 3-1-9-2 put her side firmly on top as Bangladesh managed only 23-3 in the powerplay.
The situation worsened when Juairiya Ferdous fell for seven, reducing Bangladesh to 13-3.
Nigar and Sobhana then rebuilt the innings with a patient partnership. Sobhana contributed 22 from 19 deliveries before departing, while Nigar anchored the innings with 36 off 38 balls.
Bangladesh were still struggling at 92-6 in the 18th over when Shorna launched a counterattack.
The young batter smashed an unbeaten 39 from just 22 balls, striking five boundaries and helping Bangladesh plunder 43 runs from the final four overs.
Her late flourish transformed Bangladesh's total from below par to competitive and ultimately proved decisive.
