Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team made a good start in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup after defeating Pakistan Women’s Cricket by team by seven wickets in their first match at Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Chasing Pakistan’s paltry total of 129 off 38.3 overs, the Tigresses romped home making 131 for the loss of three wickets when they had 113 balls to spare.
Bangladesh had a sorrow start as opener Fargana Hoque (2) was trapped leg before wicket by Diana Baig when Bangladesh’s total was just seven runs.
After Fargana’s departure, Rabya Haider and Sharmin Akter mended the innings contributed together 28 runs in the second wicket stand before Sharmin Akter (10) was trapped leg before wicket by Rameen Shamim when the Tigresses score was 35 for the loss of two wickets.
After Sharmin’s dismissal, Rabya Haider and Nigar Sultana rescued their team from disaster adding together 62 runs for the third wicket partnership before Nigar Sultana was caught at the short mid wicket by Diana Baig off Fatima Sana when Bangladesh’s total was 97 for the loss of three wickets.
Nigar Sultana made 23 from 44 deliveries with five fours.
After Nigar’s departure, Rabya Haider and Sobhana Mostary played the key role to reach the winning spot adding together 34 runs in the unbroken fourth wicket stand.
Rabya Haider remained unbeaten with 54. Her 77-ball innings was studded with eight fours. It was Rabya Haider’s maiden ODI half-century.
Sobhana Mostary remained unbeaten with 24. She hit six fours in her 19-ball knock.
Diana Baig, Rameen Sharmin and Fatima Sana took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan lost their early two wickets for just two runs.
Then, Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim repaired the damage contributing together 42 runs in the third wicket stand before Muneeba Ali (17) was caught at the point by Nishita Akter Nishi off Nahida Akter when Pakistan’s score was 44 for the loss of three wickets. It was only notable partnership for Pakistan.
Rameen Shamim, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz and Alia Riaz could reach the double digit figures against the tight, controlled and superb bowling attack of Bangladeshi bowlers scoring 23, 22, 17, 16 (not out), 15 and 13 runs respectively.
Shorna Akter captured three wickets in the space of five runs, while Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter claimed a pair of wickets each giving 19 and 31 runs respectively. Marufa Akter was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Rabeya Khan, Nishita Akter Nishi and Fahima Khatun took one wicket each for 13, 28 and 32 runs respectively.
