SOUTHAMPTON, UK: Pakistan women’s cricket team crashed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a dismal 23-run defeat against Bangladesh at the Rose Bowl, marking their third straight loss in Group 1 and extinguishing any faint hopes of reaching the next stage.
Chasing a modest target of 124, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 100/8 in their 20 overs. The defeat leaves Pakistan winless in the tournament after earlier losses to South Africa and India, confirming their bottom-place finish in the group.
A superb bowling display powers Bangladesh to an important victory against Pakistan in the #T20WorldCup 👌
📝: https://t.co/ENCTtOTWEn pic.twitter.com/kJUaVkrVG3
— ICC (@ICC) June 20, 2026
Bangladesh ride on Shorna Akter’s fireworks
Player of the Match Shorna Akter smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls to propel Bangladesh to a competitive 123/6 after they were struggling at 92/6 in the 18th over. Her late-innings assault included five boundaries and changed the complexion of the match.
🚨PAKISTAN ELIMINATED FROM T20 WORLD CUP 🚨
– Pakistan Women were 64/2 in 10 overs with 60 needed off 60 balls, seems like an easy chase……
Then, Pakistan lost 6 wickets and scored just 36 runs in last 60 balls and lost the match by 23 runs . pic.twitter.com/nB4aO47c1G
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) June 20, 2026
Captain Nigar Sultana anchored the innings with a patient 36 off 38 balls, while Sobhana Mostary contributed 22 off 19. Pakistan’s bowlers started strongly, with Fatima Sana claiming 2/18 and Nashra Sandhu returning economical figures of 1/14 from her four overs. However, the bowling attack lost its way in the death overs as Shorna cut loose.
Pakistan’s batting collapse exposes deep-rooted frailties
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly as openers Gull Feroza (23 off 18) and Muneeba Ali (25 off 30) added 49 runs inside the first eight overs. But the innings unravelled spectacularly after the Powerplay, with three wickets falling for just 12 runs as Bangladesh’s spinners tightened the screws.
Nahida Akter produced a match-winning spell of 3/18, while Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed 3/21, including the crucial scalps of Ayesha Zafar and Aliya Riaz for golden ducks. Pakistan’s middle order showed no resistance, with skipper Fatima Sana managing only 10 off 17 before being dismissed. The lower order of Nashra Sandhu (9) and Tasmia Rubab (7) showed some fight but it was far too late.
Bangladesh win the match by 23 runs 🏏#PAKvBAN | #T20WorldCup | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/dsWjvBBDkT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 20, 2026
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With their World Cup journey over, Pakistan will need to reflect on a campaign that promised much but delivered little. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and addressing the batting frailties that have plagued the side throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, keep their hopes alive with this crucial victory to compete with other top teams of the group including South Africa, India, and Australia. Pakistan will now face Australia and the Netherlands in the group matches where only top two teams will play against other group’s team for semi finals.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh Women 123/6 (Shorna Akter 39*, Nigar Sultana 36; Fatima Sana 2/18) beat Pakistan Women 100/8 (Muneeba Ali 25, Gull Feroza 23; Nahida Akter 3/18, Sanjida Meghla 3/21) by 23 runs.
