Sports Reporter: Bangladesh bounced back from their losing streak with a magnificent seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, courtesy of an all-round performance from Fahima Khatun.
The victory, their maiden win against Pakistan in T20Is, was surely refreshing for the team, following a thrashing from Sri Lanka in the first match, at a time when questions were raised about their overall capability in international cricket.
Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss was justified as two-time runners-up Pakistan could manage only 95 for five. The Tigresses then eased their way to the target with 13 balls to spare, riding on two good knocks from Nigar Sultana (31 not out) and Fahima Khatun (23 not out) after opener Shamima Sultana laid the foundation with 31 runs off 33 balls laced with three boundaries.
Nigar also struck three boundaries during her 35-ball 31 while Fahima hit one boundary in her 19-ball 23. Fahima grabbed the player-of-the-match award as she contributed with the ball as well, scalping 1 wicket for 18 runs in four overs.
Earlier, Pakistan got a solid start as Nahida Khan (13) and Muneeba Ali (7) added 22 runs in 4.2 overs but the two quick wickets in the fifth over, taken by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, derailed their efforts.
Nahida was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, claiming two wickets for 23 runs. Captain Salma Khatun and Rumana Ahmed picked up one wicket each and though Khadija Tul Kubra did not get any she was the most economical bowler, conceding only 13 runs in her four overs.
Both Bangladesh and Pakistan now have one win from two matches. Bangladesh will now take on table-toppers India in their next game tomorrow while Pakistan will face off against Sri Lanka on the same day.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Pakistan: 95 for 5 in 20 overs (Javeria 18, Nida 17 not out, Sana 21 not out; Nahida 2-23, Fahima 1-18, Rumana 1-6) Bangladesh: 96 for 3 in 17.5 overs (Shamima 31, Nigar 31 not out, Fahima 23 not out; Anam 1-9)
Result: Bangladesh women won by 7 wickets. Player-of-the-match: Fahima Khatun.
