Women's T20 WC: Asian rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh aim to revive their campaigns (Preview)
Southampton, June 19
Pakistan and Bangladesh will battle to revive their respective 2026 Women's T20 World Cup campaigns when they face off in a vital Group A clash at The Rose Bowl on Saturday.
Pakistan currently languish at the fifth spot on the points table following consecutive losses, while Bangladesh are at fourth place with one win from two matches. Pakistan, though, can take heart from some aspects of their performance against South Africa in Birmingham.
Captain Fatima Sana orchestrated a brilliant recovery after an early wobble, striking an unbeaten 55 and stitching together a record ninth-wicket partnership of 71 runs alongside Tuba Hassan to post 126. If Pakistan are to get their first win of the World Cup, they will need all of their batters to click well and take charge of run-scoring.
Fatima then claimed 3-16, and became the first captain in tournament's history to score a half-century and take three scalps in a single match, though the Proteas ultimately scraped home by two wickets.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, began by securing a comfortable six-wicket win over Netherlands, before suffering a heavy nine-wicket defeat against tournament heavyweights and six-time winners Australia.
Young Juairiya Ferdous leads the run-scoring charts for Bangladesh, while Pakistan will again lean heavily on the all-round capabilities of Fatima and the wrist-spin of Tuba on a balanced Southampton pitch.
Squads
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, and Taj Nehar
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, and Tasmia Rubab
— IANS
Reader Comments
Bangladesh's win over Netherlands was solid, but losing to Australia by 9 wickets shows the gap still exists. Juairiya Ferdous is a bright spark though. This match is crucial for both teams. As an Indian fan, I'm just happy to see Asian teams competing at this level. 🌏
Nice to see women's cricket getting attention. But honestly, both teams need to work on their batting depth. 126 is not enough against top sides. Fatima's effort was heroic, but Pakistan's top order needs to step up. Bangladesh's bowling looks more disciplined.
As someone who follows both men's and women's cricket, I'm impressed by how competitive the women's game has become. Pakistan vs Bangladesh matches always bring drama. Expecting a close contest at The Rose Bowl. Tuba Hassan's wrist-spin could be the difference maker. 🔮
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