Defending Champions Pushed to Brink as Bangladesh Triumph
Bangladesh secured a major upset at the Women’s T20 World Cup on Saturday, defeating Pakistan by 23 runs at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The result leaves Pakistan facing an early exit from the tournament after a dramatic batting collapse derailed what appeared to be a comfortable run chase.
Key Highlights
- Bangladesh successfully defended a total of 123/6 after recovering from an early collapse of 13/3.
- Shorna Akter smashed an unbeaten 39 off 22 balls to shift the momentum during the death overs.
- Pakistan collapsed from a promising 69/2 to 100/8, losing 6 wickets for just 15 runs.
- Pakistan’s semifinal qualification is no longer in their hands, requiring a South African victory over India.
Women’s T20 World Cup, PAK vs BAN: Pakistan are in danger of making an early exit from the tournament after losing to Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh by 20 runs on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Pakistan face immediate elimination from the global tournament following a 23-run defeat to Bangladesh in their Group A fixture on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Chasing 124 for victory, the Pakistani lineup collapsed spectacularly despite looking comfortable at 69 for the loss of two wickets after 11 overs.
The batting side managed to add a mere 20 runs across the final nine overs of the contest. This enabled Bangladesh to secure a crucial comeback victory. Pakistan have two group stage fixtures remaining, but their progression into the next round depends entirely on external match results.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Women’s T20 World Cup: Highlights | Scorecard
A victory for India against South Africa on Sunday in Manchester will mathematically eliminate Pakistan from the tournament.
JOTY, SHORNA HELP BANGLADESH RECOVER
Bangladesh staged a vital recovery from an initial top-order collapse to post 123/6 after being inserted to bat under overcast skies. Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana disrupted the opposition immediately by claiming two wickets in the first over. Dilara Akter departed for 5, Sharmin Akhter fell for a duck, and Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for 7, leaving Bangladesh vulnerable at 13/3 inside 4.3 overs.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the recovery with a calculated 36 from 38 deliveries, hitting five boundaries. She formed a partnership with Sobhana Mostary, who contributed 22 runs off 19 balls, helping the team cross the 50-run mark.
The Pakistani bowling unit maintained pressure through the middle overs. Fatima Sana finished with figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs, while Nashra Sandhu conceded only 14 runs in her four-over spell. Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan claimed one wicket each.
The innings shifted when Shorna Akter executed a late-overs assault, remaining unbeaten on 39 from 22 balls. Striking at 177.27 with five boundaries, her aggressive cameo lifted Bangladesh from 92/6 to a competitive total of 123/6.
PAKISTAN ENDURE HORROR BATTING COLLAPSE
Pakistan delivered a poor batting display as they were restricted to 100/8 by the disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. The chase started positively as Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali guided the team to 41/0 during the powerplay phase, keeping the required run rate manageable.
Muneeba Ali top-scored with 25 off 30 balls, including a boundary and a six, before her dismissal triggered a collapse. Opener Gull Feroza provided initial momentum with a quick 23 off 18 deliveries, striking four boundaries before falling in the eighth over.
The middle order crumbled under pressure, with Ayesha Zafar (11), Iram Javed (9), and captain Fatima Sana (10) failing to convert their starts. Pakistan plummeted from 69/2 to 84/8, losing six wickets for just 15 runs as the required run rate mounted.
The Bangladeshi spin department dictated the second half of the innings. Nahida Akter secured figures of 3 for 18, while Sanjida Akter Meghla also took 3 wickets. Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni picked up one wicket apiece to prevent any late partnerships.
Tail-enders Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab remained at the crease until the completion of the 20 overs, but Pakistan fell 23 runs short. The team now relies completely on South Africa defeating India to stay alive in the competition.
Pitch and Conditions Data
| Parameter | Condition Type | Impact on Play |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Spinning Track | Favored slow bowlers in second innings |
| Overhead Conditions | 100% Cloud Cover | Offered initial swing to seamers |
| Temperature | 22°C | Comfortable playing environment |
| Humidity | 78% | Assisted in ball movement during powerplay |
Future Outlook
Following this Match 15 result, Group A has become highly volatile. Bangladesh have secured their second win of the tournament, keeping themselves in contention for a semifinal berth. Pakistan must win their remaining two matches by substantial margins while hoping India drops points in their upcoming fixtures against South Africa and other group opponents to alter the net run rate equation.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match?
Bangladesh Women scored 123/6 in their allocated 20 overs. In response, Pakistan Women were restricted to 100/8 in 20 overs, resulting in a 23-run victory for Bangladesh.
Who was the top scorer for Bangladesh in the match?
Shorna Akter was the top scorer for Bangladesh, hitting an unbeaten 39 runs off just 22 deliveries. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also made a significant contribution with 36 runs.
How can Pakistan still qualify for the semifinals?
Pakistan can only qualify if India loses to South Africa on Sunday. If India wins that match, Pakistan will be mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
Which bowlers performed best for Bangladesh?
The spin duo of Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akter Meghla dismantled the Pakistan batting lineup, with both bowlers claiming 3 wickets each during the collapse.
