Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Women’s U19 made a strong comeback in the five-match T20 series, levelling it 1-1 with a three-wicket win over Pakistan Women’s U19 by three wickets at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 81 runs, Bangladesh crossed the line with six balls to spare, securing a hard-fought victory.
Pakistan Women’s U19, after being put to bat first, posted a total of 80-7 in their 20 overs. Komal Khan top-scored with 28 runs off 42 balls, anchoring the innings for Pakistan. She received support from Zoofishan Ayyaz, who added 17 runs off 27 balls, but the middle order struggled to build partnerships.
Despite a 31-run second-wicket stand between Khan and Ravail Farhan (15 off 31), Pakistan’s progress was halted by a brilliant bowling display from Bangladesh, led by Habiba Islam Pinky. The left-arm spinner picked up 4 wickets for 17 runs, including a crucial three-wicket burst in the 17th over, which derailed Pakistan’s innings and left them at 66-5.
In reply, Bangladesh Women’s U19 had a shaky start, losing early wickets to find themselves at 36-4 in the 10th over. However, opening batter Sumaiya Akter Suborna kept the chase alive with a patient 32 runs off 38 balls, holding the innings together. She formed a valuable 29-run partnership with Achena Jannat Emanta (9), but as wickets fell around her, Bangladesh were reduced to 70-7 in the 18th over, needing 11 runs from the last two overs.
Sadia Akter (13 not out from 10 balls) and Jarin Tasnem Labonno (1 not out) held their nerves, with Akter hitting two fours to seal the win. Bangladesh finished at 81-7 in 19 overs, with Suborna’s steady knock and the late heroics of Akter taking them home.
Pakistan’s bowlers, Memoona Khalid and Aleesa Mukhtiar, took two wickets each, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Bangladesh’s recovery.
Player of the Match: Habiba Islam Pinky (Bangladesh Women’s U19) was awarded the Player of the Match for her outstanding 4-wicket haul, which played a key role in restricting Pakistan to a low total.
The third match of the series is set to take place on Sunday, 7 December at the same venue, Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground.
Scores in Brief
2nd T20: Bangladesh Women’s U19 beat Pakistan Women’s U19 by three wickets
Pakistan 80-7, 20 overs (Komal Khan 28, Zoofishan Ayyaz 17, Ravail Farhan 15; Habiba Islam Pinky 4-17)
Bangladesh 81-7, 19 overs (Sumaiya Akter Suborna 32, Sadia Akter 13*; Memoona Khalid 2-13, Aleesa Mukhtiar 2-22)
