Bangladesh thrash Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match

DUBAI: Shorna Akter backed her quickfire cameo with two wickets and propelled Bangladesh to a comfortable 23-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up fixture here on Monday.

Set to chase 141, Pakistan’s batting unit skittled for a meagre 117 in 18.4 overs despite an anchoring knock by Omaima Sohail.

The Green Shirts had a shaky start to their innings as they lost opener Muneeba Ali (11) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board.

Sidra Amin then joined Gull Feroza for a brief 24-run partnership for the second wicket before both perished in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 42/3 in 7.1 overs.

Coming out to bat at No.5, Omaima Sohail offered notable grit with her anchoring knock, which culminated in the 18th over.

Omaima remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a run-a-ball 33, which included three fours.

The right-handed batter was involved in an important 33-run partnership with skipper Fatima Sana, who made a 12-ball 17.

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For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan and Shorna Akter bagged two wickets each while Nahida Akter made one scalp.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh registered a commendable total of 140/7 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a crucial sixth-wicket partnership between Ritu Moni and Shorna.

The duo bolstered Bangladesh’s total by adding a brisk 36 runs off just 16 deliveries.

The important partnership culminated with Moni’s dismissal in the penultimate over while Shorna carried her bat all the way through and top-scored for Bangladesh with a 17-ball 28 with the help of three fours.

Earlier, right-handed opener Shathi Rani gave Bangladesh a head start with a blistering 23 off 16, laced up with five fours.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler for Pakistan with two wickets, while Diana Baig, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan and Omaima Sohail struck out one batter apiece.

Pakistan’s 23-run defeat against Bangladesh marked their second in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up matches as they succumbed to an eight-wicket defeat against Scotland on Saturday.

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