Women's World Cup: Bangladesh secure first WC win as Pakistan's losing streak continues

SportsTak

Bangladesh scripted their first World Cup win as they defeated Pakistan by 9 runs on March 14 (Monday) in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup match at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 234 runs losing 7 wickets (their highest total in ODIs). In reply, Pakistan managed to reach a total of 225/9 and with this defeat Pakistan extend their losing streak in World Cups to 18.


Bangladesh opening batter Sharmin Akhter started the batting on a positive note as she scored 44 runs off 55 balls. Later, Fargana Hoque showed terrific batting skills as she scored 71 runs off 115 deliveries. Her innings was comprised of 5 boundaries. Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana also scored some vital runs (46 runs off 64 balls) to help her side in reaching a formidable total.


On the other hand, a lack of discipline in Pakistan bowling was evident as they conceded 13 crucial runs as wide balls. Pakistan bowler Nashra Sandhu picked up three wickets as other bowlers- Fatima Sana, Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail claimed one wicket each.


In reply, Pakistan started the run chase confidently as their opening batters registered a solid 91-run partnership. But eventually, Rumana Ahmed earned a crucial breakthrough for her side as she dismissed Nahida Khan (43 runs off 67 balls). The other opening batter Sidra Ameen carried on her superb batting and eventually scored a brilliant century (104 runs off 140 balls) but her century ultimately proved to be meaningless as her team had to concede a defeat in the game.


Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof (31 runs off 48 balls) tried to show some resilient batting but due to a poor batting order collapse they eventually lost their last eight wickets within a total of just 60 runs.


For Bangladesh, their spinner Fahima Khatun picked up three wickets conceding 38 runs in 8 overs. She was also adjudged as the Player of the match for her match-winning bowling display. Other Bangladesh bowlers- Jahanara Alam and Salma Khatun bagged one wicket each as Rumana Ahmed claimed two wickets.


With this victory, Bangladesh currently find themselves at sixth position as Pakistan are yet to secure a victory after playing four matches in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup.