CHATTOGRAM: Pakistan fell to a 20-run defeat against Bangladesh in the second women’s T20 International on Friday as the hosts claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh women showcased a complete performance at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium, having won the opening game by five wickets.

Having been put into bat, Bangladesh posted 120-6 with Shorna Akter top-scoring with an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls. Pakistan never got going in their reply and could only muster 100-7 in their 20 overs.

“I am very proud of the way we played today,” Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana said in the post-match presentation. “I think we deserve it. Each and every individual has worked very hard for this.”

Bangladesh openers provided a brisk start before Shamima Sultana got out for 18 in the fifth over when the score was 31. Shamima struck two fours and a six in her 13-ball innings.

Sobhana Mostary kept the tempo, scoring 16 off 11 but opener Murshida Khatun and captain Nigar Sultana went slow as the pair added just 13 runs off 25 balls. Murshida was dismissed for 28 and Nigar for 10 as the hosts were reduced to 71-4 in 13 overs.

But Shorna’s quickfire knock that featured one six and one four and Ritu Moni’s 19 off 21 helped Bangladesh post a decent total.

Right-arm pacer Diana Baig was the most successful bowler for the tourists, grabbing 2-34 in four overs while debutant off-spinner Umm-e-Hani bowled economically, giving away only 12 runs in her spell and picking up Murshida’s wicket.

Pakistan made a poor start to the chase as pacer Marufa Akter got rid of Natalia Pervaiz for a duck.

The experienced Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof added 28 but, like in the previous match, Bangladesh spinners strangled the runs in the middle phase.

Bismah made 30 but the run-rate pressure forced here to try a big shot and she was stumped by Nigar off Fahima Khatun’s bowling.

Pakistan were reduced to 61-5 in 13.1 overs and were almost out of the match. Iram Javed (15) and Umm-e-Hani (14) were the only batters to reach double figures

Nahida picked up two wickets, conceding just 15 runs off four overs. Rabeya Khan returned with 2-21 and Fahima Khatun with 1-15.

Scores in brief:

BANGLADESH 120-6 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 27 not out, Murshida Khatun 20; Diana Baig 2-34); PAKISTAN 100-7 in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 30; Nahida Akter 2-15, Rabeya Khan 2-21).

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2023