by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
In the recent clash at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, Bangladesh women’s team defeated their Pakistani counterparts by a margin of 20 runs, securing an invincible 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The decider of the series is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.
Chasing a target of 121 runs, Pakistan could only muster 100-7 in their 20 overs. The veteran batter, Bismah Maroof, emerged as the top-scorer with a 44-ball 30, while Iram Javed and Umm-e-Hani chipped in with 15 and 14 runs respectively.
Nahida Akter, the stellar Bangladesh left-arm spinner, continued her impressive form by taking two crucial wickets and conceding only 15 runs in her spell. Rabeya Khan was equally effective, claiming two wickets. Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter also contributed with a wicket each.
Earlier in the match, the hosts, after being asked to bat, posted a competitive total of 120-6 in their quota of 20 overs. The powerplay saw Bangladesh score 48 runs at the cost of one wicket. The visiting bowlers, however, were able to put brakes on the scoring, conceding just 72 runs and dismissing five batters in the subsequent 14 overs.
Pakistan’s off-spinner Umm-e-Hani continued her economical performance, giving away a mere 12 runs in four overs and taking the prized scalp of opener Murshida Khatun. She was aptly supported by spinners Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, who both took a wicket each, conceding 16 and 24 runs respectively. However, the pace bowler Diana Baig stood out, picking up two wickets for 34 runs.
Bangladesh’s total was anchored by Shorna Akter’s brisk knock of 27 runs off just 22 balls, which included a boundary and a six.
