KEY POINTS
- Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to a modest total of 126 with disciplined bowling.
- Fizza Fiaz’s unbeaten half-century led Pakistan to chase down the target with 13 balls to spare.
- Pakistan levels the series 2-2, setting up a thrilling final fixture on Friday.
COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh: A commanding, unbeaten half-century from Fizza Fiaz powered Pakistan to a resounding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the fourth U19 Women’s T20 of the five-match series at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
With the win, Pakistan levelled the series at 2-2, setting up an exciting final fixture at the same venue.
Bangladesh’s Modest Total
Pakistan’s captain Eman Naseer made the right call by opting to bowl first, as her team’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Bangladesh to a modest total of 126/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Achena Jannat led the way for the hosts with an anchoring knock, scoring 35 runs off 34 balls, which included four boundaries.
Aside from Jannat, only Mymuna Naher (24*), Sumaiya Akther (20), and Sadiya Nusrat (12) were able to reach double figures, as Pakistan’s bowlers kept them in check.
For Pakistan, Rozina Akram and Memoona Khalid were the standout bowlers, claiming two wickets each, while Shahar Bano chipped in with a wicket, keeping the Bangladesh total within reach.
Pakistan’s Confident Chase
Set a modest target of 127, Pakistan faced no real challenge in chasing down the total, reaching the target with 13 balls to spare and losing only four wickets.
The chase got off to a solid start with Komal Khan and captain Eman Naseer putting on a brisk 33-run opening stand inside three overs.
However, Khan was dismissed for 22 off 11 balls by Habiba Islam, and the visitors faced a brief collapse, losing Eman (12), Ravail Farhan (5), and Zoofishan Ayyaz (5), to slip to 58/4 by the 9.4-over mark.
Fizza Fiaz’s Match-Winning Knock
At this crucial juncture, Fizza Fiaz walked out to bat and turned the game around with her belligerent hitting.
She blazed her way to a 34-ball half-century, anchoring the chase and earning the Player of the Match award for her match-winning performance.
Fizza was ably supported by Eman Naseer, who held her ground firmly through the middle overs, finishing unbeaten on 42 off 47 balls, with four boundaries.
Together, the duo put on a 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket, sealing the win for Pakistan and levelling the series at 2-2.
Looking Ahead
The final fixture of the five-match series will be played at the same venue on Friday, with both teams vying to claim the series victory.
Pakistan’s spirited fightback, highlighted by Fizza Fiaz’s brilliant knock, gives them the momentum heading into the decider.
