Sports Desk: Bangladesh produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Pakistan by 20 runs in a crucial Group A encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Saturday, dealing a major blow to Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
After appearing firmly in control of the chase, Pakistan suffered a dramatic batting collapse, allowing Bangladesh to snatch victory from an unlikely position and keep their own qualification hopes alive.
Also Read Bengali : পাকিস্তানের বিশ্বকাপ স্বপ্নে বড় ধাক্কা, দুরন্ত প্রত্যাবর্তনে জয় ছিনিয়ে নিল বাংলাদেশ
আরও পড়ুন
Joty and Shorna Lead Bangladesh Recovery
Batting first, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble early on after Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck twice in the opening over. The Tigers slumped to 13 for 3, losing Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akhter and Juairiya Ferdous within the first few overs.
With the innings under pressure, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with a composed 36 off 38 balls. She received valuable support from Sobhana Mostary, who contributed 22 runs as the pair steadied the innings.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages thanks to Shorna Akter, who blasted an unbeaten 39 from just 22 deliveries. Her aggressive strokeplay lifted Bangladesh to a competitive total of 123 for 6 after 20 overs.
Pakistan Throw Away Winning Position
In reply, Pakistan made a confident start to the chase. Gull Feroza scored 23 while Muneeba Ali added 25, helping their side reach 69 for 2 after 11 overs.
With eight wickets in hand and the required run rate well under control, Pakistan looked on course for victory. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers engineered a stunning turnaround.
The middle order crumbled under pressure as Pakistan lost six wickets for just 15 runs, completely derailing the chase. Bangladesh spinners Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akter Meghla starred with three wickets each, applying relentless pressure and triggering the collapse.
Despite late resistance from Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab, Pakistan never recovered and eventually finished on 100 for 8, falling 20 runs short of the target.
Pakistan’s Qualification Hopes Hanging by a Thread
The defeat leaves Pakistan in serious danger of an early exit from the tournament. Their qualification hopes now depend heavily on results elsewhere in the group.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, remain alive in the race for a semifinal spot after producing one of the most impressive fightbacks of the competition so far.
Adding to Pakistan’s worries, an Indian victory over South Africa would officially eliminate them from the Women’s T20 World Cup and bring their campaign to an end.
