Women's T20 WC: Pakistan restrict Bangladesh to 123/6 despite Shorna's late blast
Southampton, June 20
A brilliant bowling effort led by skipper Fatima Sana and some superlative fielding effort helped Pakistan restrict Bangladesh to a below-par 123/6 in a must-win Group A clash in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Saturday.
Skipper Fatima Sana, who claimed a three-fer and scored a half-century in their previous match, struck a double-blow in the second over as Bangladesh took three wickets in the Power-play from which they did not recover despite fighting efforts by captain Nigar Sultana (36 off 38, 5x4) and Shorna Akter (39 not out off 22, 5x4), and managed only a modest total.
After Nigar Sultana elected to bat first on what looks like a good batting wicket, the Pakistan bowlers applied early pressure and had their opponents in a spot of bother at 23/3 at the end of the Power-play, Fatima Sana started the carnage for Pakistan by claiming the wickets of Dilara Akter (5) and Sharmin Akhter (0) in the second and fifth ball of her first over, the second of the innings. Juairiya Ferdous (7) fell to Tasmia Rubab, and Bangladesh were in real trouble.
Skipper Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings a bit with a 35-run partnership. But Mostary fell leg before wicket to Nashra Sundhu while the Bangladesh captain was caught by Saira Jabeen off Sadia Iqbal for 36 as their woes continued.
A late flourish by Shorna Akter lifted Bangladesh to 123/6 as the experienced Shorna struck some fine shots at the back end of the innings, slamming 14 runs in the penultimate over. Shorna's knock has given Bangladesh bowlers a total to defend and a fighting chance in the match that they have to win to bounce back from a poor start in the tournament.
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have lost their opening matches in the tournament and need to win this match to maintain their chances of progressing to the next stage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 123/6 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 39 not out, Nigar Sultana 36; Fatima Sana 2-18) against Pakistan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian fan, I'm watching this closely. Pakistan's bowling looks sharp, but Bangladesh's Shorna Akter gave them some hope with that late flourish. 39 off 22 is no joke! Still, 123 feels at least 20 runs short on this pitch.
Bangladesh's batting has been disappointing throughout the tournament. Only Shorna showed some fight today, the rest just crumbled under pressure. They need to sort out their top order or it's going to be another early exit. 🤔
Great to see women's cricket getting this attention! Pakistan's fielding was top-notch today, some brilliant catches in the deep. Fatima Sana's confidence is paying off for the team. Let's see if Pakistan can chase this down comfortably.
Honest question: why does Bangladesh keep electing to bat first on good wickets and then fail to post a competitive total? This is poor game awareness. Nigar Sultana's captaincy needs improvement. 123 is not going to cut it against any decent side. 😟
I'm loving the intensity in this women's World Cup! The competition is getting better every year. Shorna Akter's innings showed the fighting spirit, but Pakistan's bowlers were relentless. If Fatima Sana can replicate her batting form from the last match, this chase should be straightforward.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.