Disha Biswas-led Bangladesh created history on the opening day of inaugural Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023. Bangladesh stunned Australia with a seven-wicket win at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. This is Bangladesh's first ever win in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments over the years.
Australian skipper Rhys McKenna won the toss and opted to bat first. Skipper Biswas got two early wickets of openers Kate Pelle (5) and Paris Bowdler (7) in the powerplay overs. Clair Moore and Ella Hayward got the innings back on track with a 76-run partnership. However, they could not score freely.
In the 17th over, Rabeya Khan got the wicket of Moore who scored 52 runs from 51 deliveries including seven fours. In the next over, Lucy Hamilton got out for a single-digit score as she got bowled by Marufa Akter. The Bangladesh pacer struck again to get the wicket of Hayward who scored 35 runs from 39 deliveries including four boundaries. Amy Smith (7-ball 16) and McKenna (6-ball 12) contributed with cameos to help Australia post 130/5.
Favourites Australia were expected to defend the total with ease against Bangladesh. McKenna taking opener Rany Saha's wicket off the first ball of the innings had their tails up as well but Afia Humaira Anam Prottasha and Dilara Akter helped rebuild the innings. They did not over-attack and shared a 66-run partnership for the second wicket. In the 11th over Chloe Ainsworth got Australian players noses in front with the wickets of both set batters. Afia scored 24 runs from 22 deliveries whereas Dilara scored 40 off 42 deliveries.
With three wickets down and two new batters in the middle, Australia were expected to take the game till the last over. After the two quick wickets, Bangladesh needed 60 runs from 54 deliveries. But Shorna Akter and Sumaiya Akter made short work of the run chase. They found boundaries with ease and got Bangladesh over the line with two overs to spare to register the historic win. Shorna scored 23 runs from 18 balls including two fours and one six whereas Sumaiya's 25-ball 31 including five boundaries.
The huge upset has split Group A wide open. The Group A also includes Sri Lanka and United States. Bangladesh will now face Sri Lanka in their next clash on January 16. A win against Sri Lanka will help them increase their chances of reaching the Super Six stage.
