Bangladesh Women clinch ODI series against Pakistan

Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team clinched the One Day International (ODI) series 2-1 against Pakistan Women’s Cricket team after defeating the tourists by seven wickets in the third and final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city’s Mirpur on Friday.

Chasing Pakistan Women’s Cricket team’s fighting total of 166 for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 50 overs, Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team romped home scoring 167 for the loss of three wickets when they had 26 balls to spare.

Bangladesh have a solid start with two openers Fargana Haque and Murshida Khatun contributed together 125 runs in the opening stand before Fargana Haque was trapped leg before wicket by Nashra Sandhu.

Fargana Haque notched up a superb 62. Her 113-ball innings was studded with five fours. Fargana Haque was adjudged the Player of the Match for her painstaking innings.

After Fargana’s dismissal, Murshida Khatun could stay at the crease for a short period as she was caught by Nida Dar off off Nashra Sandhu when Bangladesh’s score was 128 for the loss of two wickets.

Murshida Khatun knocked a sedate 54. Her 106-ball innings was laced with six fours.

Second-down Fahima Khatun (0) was run out Umm-e-Hani when Bangladesh’s total was 128 for the loss of three wickets.

One-down Nigar Sultana and third-down Sobhana Mostary powered their team to anchor the victory target adding together 49 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket partnership.

Sobhana Mostary remained unbeaten with 19 runs. She hit three fours in her 30-ball innings had three fours.
Nigar Sultana remained unbeaten with 18 runs. Her 25-ball knock saw one four.

Nashra Sandhu claimed two wickets in the space of 27 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan had a remarkable start as openers Sadaf Shamas and Sidra Ameen added together 65 runs in the opening stand before Sadaf Shamas was trapped leg before wicket by Nahida Akter. Sadaf made 31 from 61 balls including two fours.

Sidra Ameen restored some parity for her country. She remained unbeaten with 84 runs. She struck three fours in her 143-ball innings.

Apart from Sidra Ameen and Sadaf Shamas, all Pakistani batter failed to make any notable score.

Nahida Akter captured three wickets at the cost of 26 runs, while Rabeya Khan claimed two wickets giving 35 runs. Nahida Akter was adjudged the Player of the Series.

Shoma Akter, Nishita Akter and Fahima Khatun took one wicket each for 19, 29 and 33 runs respectively.