Bangladesh edge past Pakistan to level U19 Women’s T20 series

COX’S BAZAR: Habiba Islam’s four-wicket haul powered Bangladesh to a narrow three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second U19 Women’s T20 of the three-match series here at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan captain Eman Naseer’s decision to bat first backfired as the touring side could accumulate 80/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Wicketkeeper batter Komal Khan remained the top-scorer for the visitors with a scratchy 28 off 42 deliveries, comprising two fours.

Besides her, middle-order batter Zoofishan Ayyaz (17) and opener Ravail Farhan (15) could amass double figures against Habiba-led Bangladesh bowling attack. Habiba returned economical bowling figures of 4/17 in her four overs, while Otoshi Mojumder and Jarin Tasnem chipped in with one scalp apiece. In response, the home side comfortably chased down the 81-run target for the loss of seven wickets and six balls to spare, courtesy of Sumaiya Akther’s anchoring knock. The right-handed opener oversaw the hosts’ pursuit until the 17th over and walked back after top-scoring with a 38-ball 32, which featured one boundary. Following her dismissal, all-rounder Sadia Akter took the reins of Bangladesh’s run chase and eventually steered them over the line by the end of the penultimate over with an unbeaten 13 off 10 deliveries. For Pakistan, Memoona Khalid and Aleesa Mukhtiar picked up two wickets each, while Mahnoor Zeb, Rozina Akram and Shahar Bano made one scalp apiece. The victory helped Bangladesh level the three-match series at 1-1, with the third and final fixture of the series set to be played at the same venue on Sunday. Web Desk