Pakistan Women Beat Bangladesh in Emerging Nations Opener
Pakistan women beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in their ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy opener in Ajman on Thursday. Tuba Hassan took three wickets as Pakistan bowled Bangladesh out for 108, then chased the target down with 25 balls to spare.
Bangladesh captain Nahida Akter chose to bat first at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, but the decision backfired. Pakistan’s bowlers kept the scoring tight from the start, and Bangladesh never recovered.
Tuba led the attack with three wickets for 26 runs in her four overs. Nashra Sandhu took two wickets, while Waheeda Akhtar, Momina Riasat and Umm-e-Hani took one each.
Pakistan women beat Bangladesh after strong bowling display
Nigar Sultana top-scored for Bangladesh with 27 runs off 20 balls, hitting two fours and a six. Shorna Akter made 21 off 20 deliveries. Only Shathi Rani and captain Nahida, who both scored 11, reached double figures besides them.
Pakistan made light work of the 109-run target, losing only two wickets. Opening batter Sadaf Shamas top-scored with a run-a-ball 37, hitting four fours and a six. Captain Muneeba Ali stayed unbeaten on 31 off 34 balls, and Ayesha Zafar finished the job with a brisk 27 not out off 18 balls, including four boundaries.
For Bangladesh, Sobhana Mostary and Shorna Akter took one wicket each.
The win put Pakistan at the top of the Group B standings with two points, ahead of the Netherlands on net run rate,. The Dutch side beat Thailand by five wickets with three balls remaining earlier in the day.
A strong start in a new ICC event
The Emerging Nations Trophy gives developing women’s teams a place to test themselves against each other in ICC competition. A win in the first match sets the tone for the group stage, and Pakistan did it with overs and wickets in hand.
The bowling set the game up. Tuba’s three wickets broke the middle of the Bangladesh innings, and the support bowlers kept the pressure on so that no batter could settle. Bangladesh finished on 108 for nine from their 20 overs, a total well below par on a good batting surface.
The chase was calm and controlled. Sadaf gave Pakistan a fast start, Muneeba held the innings together, and Ayesha’s late burst removed any doubt about the result. Pakistan reached 112 for two with 25 balls still to bowl, a margin that also lifted their net run rate above the Netherlands.
The result adds to a strong week for Pakistan against Bangladesh. Pakistan’s under-19 side beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, and the under-19 team also reached the Asia Cup final against India. The senior women’s win keeps that run going in a different format and a different tournament.
Pakistan’s bowlers have been in good form at home too. Saqib Khan took seven wickets on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, and Mohammad Rizwan’s case with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency took a new turn this week.
Pakistan will now look to build on the win in their next group match. A second victory would put them firmly on course for the later stages of the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match?
Bangladesh scored 108 for nine in 20 overs. Pakistan replied with 112 for two and won by eight wickets with 25 balls to spare.
Who was Pakistan’s best bowler?
Tuba Hassan took three wickets for 26 runs in four overs. Nashra Sandhu took two wickets, and Waheeda Akhtar, Momina Riasat and Umm-e-Hani took one each.
Who top-scored for Pakistan?
Sadaf Shamas top-scored with 37 off 37 balls. Captain Muneeba Ali made an unbeaten 31, and Ayesha Zafar hit an unbeaten 27 off 18 balls.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground in Ajman. It was the third match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy.
Where do Pakistan stand in Group B?
Pakistan top Group B with two points, ahead of the Netherlands on net run rate. The Netherlands beat Thailand by five wickets earlier in the day.
