Bangladesh Women Under-19 made an impressive start to the Pakistan Women’s U19 T20 Tri-Series, defeating the hosts by 30 runs at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
A valuable unbeaten innings from Sadia Akter, followed by a disciplined bowling display led by Player of the Match Nishita Akter Nishi, helped Bangladesh secure the opening victory of the tournament.
Bangladesh recover after early collapse
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh endured a difficult start as Pakistan reduced them to 30/3 inside the opening five overs.
Mahnoor Zeb struck twice during the early exchanges, removing opener Mymuna Nahar Shorna before dismissing captain Sadia Islam after she had scored 12.
Nishita Akter Nishi helped steady the innings with a patient 23, while Bibi Ayesha also contributed during the rebuilding phase.
After Bangladesh slipped to 80/6 late in the innings, Sadia Akter produced the decisive contribution.
The middle-order batter struck an unbeaten 34 from just 25 deliveries, hitting two sixes and a boundary, while Oddrita Nowshin added quick runs at the end as Bangladesh finished on 117/8 from their 20 overs.
Mahnoor Zeb was Pakistan’s standout bowler with figures of 3/24, while Rozina Akram claimed two wickets.
Pakistan struggle during the chase
Pakistan began positively through Ravail Farhan, who struck four boundaries in an aggressive 17 from 12 deliveries. However, Bangladesh gradually tightened their grip after Afrin Mim removed the opener.
Komal Khan fought hard with a patient 29 from 39 balls and shared a useful partnership with Pakeeza Shabbir, but Bangladesh continued taking wickets at regular intervals.
Once Komal departed, Pakistan never recovered.
Only Zoofishan Ayyaz also reached double figures as the hosts closed on 87/6, falling 30 runs short of the target.
Nishita leads disciplined bowling effort
Bangladesh’s bowling attack remained accurate throughout the innings.
Nishita Akter Nishi produced outstanding figures of 2/16 from four overs and was well supported by Afrin Mim, Farjana Easmin and Oddrita Nowshin, who claimed one wicket each.
The bowlers consistently built pressure through disciplined lines, preventing Pakistan from developing any significant partnerships during the chase.
Bangladesh move to the top
The victory gives Bangladesh the early advantage in the three-team competition and moves them to the top of the standings after the opening match.
Pakistan will look to bounce back when they face Sri Lanka in the next fixture at the same venue.
