SOUTHAMPTON, UK: A sensational unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls from Shorna Akter propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 123 against Pakistan in the 15th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Rose Bowl on Saturday, after they had been reduced to a precarious position early in their innings.
Pakistan have been set a target of 124 in Southampton 🏏#PAKvBAN | #T20WorldCup | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/CQQjobA5QI
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 20, 2026
Captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bat first, but her decision appeared questionable when Bangladesh slumped to 13/3 inside the first five overs. However, a crucial partnership and a late-innings blitz from Shorna Akter ensured the Tigers posted a defendable total on what appeared to be a tricky batting surface.
Pakistan’s bowlers made an immediate impact after Bangladesh opted to bat, with captain Fatima Sana leading from the front. The Pakistan skipper struck twice in her opening spell, dismissing Dilara Akter (5) and Sharmin Akhter for a golden duck to leave Bangladesh reeling at 5/2 inside two overs.
The situation worsened for Bangladesh when Juairiya Ferdous (7) fell to Tasmia Rubab in the fifth over, caught by Nashra Sandhu, reducing the Tigers to a desperate 13/3. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu bowling miserly spells to keep the run rate in check.
Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana then joined forces to rebuild the innings, adding 35 runs for the fourth wicket. Mostary played aggressively, scoring 22 off 19 balls with three boundaries, while Nigar anchored the innings with a composed 36 off 38 deliveries.
The stand was broken when Mostary was trapped lbw by Nashra Sandhu, and Ritu Moni (7) departed soon after, leaving Bangladesh at 72/5. Nigar’s dismissal in the 18th over, caught by Saira Jabeen off Sadia Iqbal, seemed to have derailed Bangladesh’s hopes of a big finish.
Shorna Akter then produced a breathtaking late-innings cameo, smashing five boundaries in her unbeaten 39 off just 22 deliveries. The 19-year-old showcased her power-hitting ability, rotating the strike effectively while finding the ropes at crucial moments.
Rabeya Khan remained not out on 4 off 4 balls as Bangladesh added 51 runs in the final five overs, finishing at 123/6. Shorna’s late assault transformed what could have been a below-par total into a competitive score on a pitch offering assistance to spinners.
Fatima Sana was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, returning excellent figures of 2/18 from four overs, including a maiden. Nashra Sandhu was equally economical, conceding just 14 runs in her four overs while claiming the crucial wicket of Mostary.
Sadia Iqbal also impressed, taking 1/21 from her four overs, while Tuba Hassan and Tasmia Rubab chipped in with a wicket apiece. However, the Pakistan bowlers will be disappointed with their death-over execution, conceding 46 runs in the final five overs.
Skipper strikes up front 💥
A double-wicket maiden from @imfatimasana jolts Bangladesh early 💫#PAKvBAN | #T20WorldCup | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/O25Em3cWkB
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 20, 2026
The chase now awaits Pakistan, who need 124 runs to register their first victory of the tournament. Bangladesh will back themselves to defend the total, with their spinners expected to exploit the conditions under lights at The Rose Bowl.
