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Bangladesh has scripted new history by defeating Pakistan by 23 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup. With this victory, the Tigresses have achieved the remarkable feat of winning multiple matches in a single World Cup edition for the first time.
In the match held on Saturday in Southampton, England, Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a total of 123 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan was restricted to 100 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s innings got off to a disappointing start, as the team found themselves under pressure after losing 3 wickets for just 13 runs. In this challenging situation, captain Nigar Sultana Joty played a responsible knock, scoring 36 runs off 38 balls to bring much-needed stability to the side.
However, the standout performance of the day came from Shorna Akter, who, batting at number seven, played a sensational unbeaten innings of 39 runs from just 22 balls, featuring 5 fours. Her blistering knock propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total.
Chasing a target of 124, Pakistan initially offered some resistance. However, the controlled bowling attack from Bangladesh gradually put them under immense pressure. Pacer Marufa Akter set the tone by bowling a maiden in the very first over, immediately building pressure on the Pakistani batters.
Bangladesh clawed their way back into the match when Nahida Akter broke Pakistan’s 49-run opening partnership in the eighth over. Subsequently, the economical spells from spinners Rabeya Khan and Sanjida Akter Meghla further stifled Pakistan’s run rate.
With the required run rate continuously climbing, Pakistan lost wickets rapidly towards the end while attempting risky shots. Consequently, they fell out of contention, and Bangladesh secured a convincing 23-run victory.
This victory marks Nigar Sultana Joty’s team’s second win in the tournament. Moreover, Bangladesh has now set a new record in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup by winning multiple matches in a single edition for the very first time.