Bangladesh completed their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a winning note when they defeated Pakistan in their last warm up match in Dubai on Tuesday.
Riding on an allround performances of Shorna Akter, Bangladesh women defeated their Pakistani counterparts by 23 runs.
Bangladesh after batting first set a modest total of 140 runs for seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, which was good enough to win the match, as the Tigress bowled out Pakistan for 117 runs.
Bangladesh after winning the toss decided to bat first and made a solid start in Dubai with openers Shathi Rani and Dilara Akter adding 33 by 3.3overs.
The opening partnership departed with Dialara Akter getting out for 10 in the third ball of the fourth over. Later on Shorna Akter provided some encouraging momentum with an unbeaten 28 from 17 balls when Ritu Moni supported well with making 14 from eight ball, as Bangladesh set a fighting score for Pakistan to chase 141 runs to win.
Sadia Iqbal was the most successful bowler for Pakistan with taking two wickets for 19 runs.
Bangladesh bowlers came to the fore from the beginning against Pakistani batters, as their nerves in the run chase following a flurry of early wickets. Bangladesh made the first breakthrough in the second over when opener Muneeba Ali was first victim and Sidra Amin then departed three balls before the end of the powerplay.
Fahima Khatun, who dismissed Sidra, later ran out Nida Dar and clean bowled Iram Javed first ball as Pakistan slipped to 65 for five.
Omaima Sohail, who was the highest scorer for Pakistan kept her side in the hunt with a run-a-ball 33 but Rabeya Khan sent back her (Omaima Sohail) to end the Pakistan’s hopes when the final wicket fell soon afterwards on 117.
Rabeya finished her spells with two wickets for 29 runs when Maurfa Aketr and Shorna Akter picked up as many wickets each.
