Pakistan’s hopes of remaining in Women’s T20 World Cup are hanging by a thread following a catastrophic 23-run defeat to Bangladesh at Edgbaston on. In their pursuit of a 124-run target, Pakistan looked completely in command at 70/2 after 11 overs. However, what followed was a stunning and absolute batting capitulation, as they inexplicably managed to add just 20 runs across the final nine overs.
Pakistan stare at elimination after Bangladesh shock
While Pakistan still have two group matches left on their schedule, this collapse means they no longer control their own destiny; a victory for India over South Africa on June 21 in Manchester will mathematically eliminate them from semifinal contention.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh showed immense resilience to recover from a disastrous start after electing to bat. Pakistan's Fatima Sana caused immediate chaos by striking twice in the very first over, removing Dilara Akter for five and Sharmin Akhter for a duck. When Juairiya Ferdous fell shortly after for seven, Bangladesh were left teetering at a precarious 13/3.
The recovery was spearheaded by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who played a crucial, stabilizing knock of 36 from 38 balls. Alongside Sobhana Mostary, who chipped in with a brisk 22 off 19 deliveries, the skipper successfully rebuilt the innings. Pakistan’s bowling unit did well to maintain pressure through the middle stretch, led by Sana’s excellent spell of 2/18 and an economical performance from Nashra Sandhu, while Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan claimed one wicket apiece.
Just as the Pakistani bowlers looked poised to restrict their opponents to a subpar score, Shorna Akter turned the tide with a blistering, unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls. Operating at an aggressive strike rate of 177.27, she smashed five boundaries to propel Bangladesh from a shaky 92/6 to a fighting total. Though it wasn't a massive score, the late surge injected vital momentum into the Bangladeshi side, providing their bowlers with just enough runs to orchestrate a dramatic defensive victory.
Pakistan's epic batting collapse
Pakistan's batting lineup suffered a catastrophic meltdown, crawling to a meager 100 for 8 against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack. The chase had actually begun with a sense of control; through the first ten overs, Pakistan kept the required run rate hovering around a manageable run-a-ball, positioning themselves well to mount a genuine charge at the target.
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The initial platform was laid by opener Gull Feroza, who provided an aggressive spark early on by striking four boundaries in a quickfire 23 off 18 balls before exiting during the powerplay. Following her departure, Muneeba Ali anchored the top order with a resilient 25 off 30 deliveries, which included a boundary and a maximum. However, the entire complexion of the match shifted completely when Muneeba was dismissed with the scoreboard at 69.
Muneeba's exit triggered an absolute horror collapse as the middle order completely fell apart. Although Ayesha Zafar (11), Iram Javed (9), and skipper Fatima Sana (10) all managed to get their eyes in, none of them could convert their starts into the substantial partnerships Pakistan desperately needed. In a stunning implosion, the batting side capitulated from a comfortable 69 for 2 to a dismal 84 for 8, losing six crucial wickets while adding a mere 15 runs to the total.
This dramatic undoing was orchestrated by Bangladesh’s spin department, which suffocated the batters and made strike rotation nearly impossible. Nahida Akter spearheaded the demolition job with exceptional figures of 3 for 18, while Sanjida Akter Meghla matched her impact by tearing through the lineup to claim three scalps of her own. Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni each chipped in with a wicket to keep the pressure relentless. While tailenders Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab managed a few late runs, the damage was already irreparable, leaving Pakistan to rely on an Indian victory over South Africa to save them from mathematical elimination.