Image Credit- AFP
Bangladesh’s spinners performed magnificently in
Chattogram for the second straight game, defeating Pakistan and winning the
women’s T20I series with one match remaining. After Nahida Akter’s historic
five-for, they shared five of the seven wickets that fell, with Rabeya Khan and
Akter taking two wickets apiece to limit Pakistan to 100 in their 121-run
chase.
Bangladesh made a good start after being inserted
thanks to their openers, Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun, who combined for
34 runs in 4.3 overs before the latter was caught LBW by Diana Baig. Shamima’s
13-ball 18 included two fours and a six. The onslaught was then carried out by
Murshida and Sobhana Mostary till the latter ran out.
Bangladesh fell from 54 for 1 to 71 for 4, with
skipper Nigar Sultana being removed during that collapse. Shorna Akter, who is
only 16 years old but has experience from competing in the first-ever Under-19
Women’s T20 World Cup last year, helped Bangladesh reach 120 with a score of 27
from 22 balls that included a four and a six. Her bowlers had a goal to defend
as she skillfully switched strikes.
Pakistan, who lost Natalia Pervaiz in the opening
over, responded steadily, mainly because of former captain Bismah Maroof.
Despite her slow batting, she managed to keep them in the chase, as Pakistan
reached 40 for 2 in the ninth over. However, they crumbled after that, dropping
to 94 for 7 on a slowish surface.
It was a phase where Nahida, Rabeya and Fahima Khatun
called the shots, and that all added up to Pakistan eventually falling well
short of their target.