Pakistan beat Bangladesh to complete perfect women’s world cup qualifier run

LAHORE: Pakistan beat Bangaldesh in their final ICC Womens world cup qualifier match, completing a perfect stint in the tournament as they won all five of their matches.

Bangladesh’s Innings

The women in green put the pressure on Bangaldesh immediately, as Fatima Sana bowled Fargana Hoque for a duck in the third over. Fatima would finish the match with two wickets, dismissing Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana, after she managed to score only one run, via lbw later on in the seventh over.

Diana Baig also took two wickets, beginning with Sharmin Akhter in the 18th over, who was caught out by Muneeba Ali. She took her second in the 48th over, bowling Rabeya Khan.

Sadia Iqbal was the star bowler of the day, taking three wickets. Her first came early, as opener Dilara Akter was caught out by Shawaal Zulfiqar in the sixth over. Sadia would then wait till the 40th over to take her second, getting some help from Sidra Nawaz as Shorna Akter was caught behind after scoring only two runs. Not long after in the 45th, Sidra would provide some help again, this time stumping Jannatul Ferdus.

Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu took a wicket each as well. The former dismissed Nahida Akter via lbw, and the latter sent off Ritu Moni, who made the highest score for Bangladesh, falling just two runs short of a half century. Fahima Khatun also had a great knock, making an unbeaten 44 off 53.

Bangladesh made 178 runs in 50 overs, losing nine wickets along the way.

Also read: Qualifier recap: Pakistan punch their ticket to the women’s world cup

Pakistan’s Innings

Despite some trouble early, which saw opener Shawaal Zulfiqar dismissed on the second ball of the innings via lbw on a delivery from Marufa Akter, Pakistan got off to a good start. Muneeba and Sidra Amin made a partnership of 80 runs off 101 deliveries. Even after Sidra, who made 37 runs off 52, was caught behind in the 18th over, Aliya Riaz came in and made sure Pakistan didn’t lose their momentum. Together with Muneeba, she added another 74 runs off 97.

Muneeba would be dismissed in the 34th over, as she was caught out by Sharmin on a delivery from Nahida. The Pakistani batter had an incredible knock, making 69 runs off 93 deliveries, hitting eight fours in the process.

Aliya and Natalia Pervaiz would close out the game for Pakistan in the 40th over. Together they added the last 25 runs Pakistan needed to reach their target. Aliya finished the game in style, hitting a four to complete her half century. She made 52 runs off 65 deliveries.

Pakistan won by seven wickets, with 62 balls remaining.

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