Debutants Bangladesh cruised to a nine-run victory against favorites Pakistan to create history in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, with Fergana Hoque and Fahima Khatoon playing key roles at Seddon Park here to negate a brilliant century from top-order batsman Sidra Amin. played. Monday.
Batting first, Bangladesh’s Hawk made 71 off 115 balls to take her team to a competitive 234/7 in 50 overs. Khatoon took three crucial wickets to prop up Pakistan’s chase as the Bismah Maroof-led side suffered a fourth defeat in as many outings despite a 104-run fight with opener Sidra Amin.
It was a stellar performance as the fast-improving Bangladesh team successfully defended their score with a brilliant display of spin bowling. At one point it seemed Bangladesh’s hopes of victory were dashed, with Amin volleying and scoring on the way to Pakistan’s maiden century in the Women’s World Cup. With Pakistan’s dependable captain Maroof controlling the pace of the chase at the other end, it looked as if Bangladesh were on the verge of a heavy defeat.
The pair had clinched Pakistan on victory, needing 80 runs with nine wickets and still enough time to bat.
But Fahima Khatoon (3/38) and Rumana Ahmed (2/29) turned the game on its head as Pakistan lost six wickets for five runs only to fall from a position of strength and broke down in no time. . When Amin was at the crease, there was hope, but when she was run out in the 48th over, the celebration began for the Bangladesh team.
With a win, Bangladesh keeps their semi-final hopes alive, while Pakistan’s chances are completely wiped out as they are at the bottom of the points table.
Earlier, a scintillating half-century from Fargana Hoque helped Bangladesh to their highest score in the Women’s World Cup and their highest ever in an ODI competition. Hawke scored 71 off 115 balls in the crucial middle overs, while captain Nigar Sultana (46) and opener Sharmin Akhtar (44) also made significant contributions when Maroof won the toss and elected to bowl.
Pakistan bowled well at times, with their spinners particularly impressive and the left-armer Nashra Sundhu picking up figures of 3/45 with the likes of those slower bowlers.
Akhtar and Shamima Sultana (17) provided Bangladesh a solid start as they added 37 runs for the opening wicket and found early breakthroughs until spinner Nida Dar (1/45) was introduced to the attack Was.
Sultana failed to handle a dar delivery and could only pick Fatima Sana at mid-on and Akhtar was on the way shortly after when she attempted a sweep shot and was bowled by Omaima Sohail.
It brought Haque and Sultana together and the pair batted well within themselves to post 96 for the third wicket and laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s good total.
Sana achieved significant breakthrough in the 40th over when he dismissed Sultana lbw but Haque remained resilient as he ensured Bangladesh posted a competitive score which proved to be enough.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh Women 234/7 in 50 overs (Sharmin Akhter 44, Fargana Hoque 71, Nigar Sultana 46; Nashra Sandhu 3/41) beat Pakistan Women 225/9 in 50 overs (Nahida Khan 43, Sidra Ameen 104, Bismah Maroof 31; Fahima) Khatun 3/38, Rumana Ahmed 2/29 by nine runs.
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