Shorna Akter Rescues Bangladesh After Early Collapse
Bangladesh Women revived their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a valuable 23-run victory over Pakistan in Southampton, producing a remarkable comeback after a difficult start with the bat.
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the powerplay. Captain Fatima Sana led the charge with two important wickets, while Tasmia Rubab removed Juairiya Ferdous as Bangladesh slipped to 13/3 inside the first five overs.
With the innings in danger of unraveling, captain Nigar Sultana stepped up with a composed knock of 36 from 38 deliveries. She combined effectively with Sobhana Mostary, who added 22 from 19 balls, helping Bangladesh rebuild after the top-order collapse.
The decisive contribution came from Shorna Akter. Arriving at the crease with Bangladesh still struggling for momentum, she produced an outstanding unbeaten 39 from just 22 deliveries. Her innings included five boundaries and provided the acceleration Bangladesh desperately needed in the closing overs.
Thanks to her late assault, Bangladesh recovered to post 123/6 from their 20 overs, a total that looked unlikely during the opening stages of the innings.
Pakistan Make Strong Start to the Chase
Pakistan appeared well placed during the early stages of their pursuit.
Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza built a solid 49-run partnership for the first wicket, giving their side complete control of the chase. Gull scored 23 from 18 balls, while Muneeba contributed 25 from 30 deliveries as Pakistan moved comfortably to 58/1 in the tenth over.
At that stage, the target seemed firmly within reach.
Bangladesh Spinners Turn the Match Around
The momentum shifted dramatically once Bangladesh’s spin attack entered the contest.
Nahida Akter struck twice to remove both openers and expose Pakistan’s middle order. Her breakthroughs opened the door for Bangladesh’s bowlers, who quickly tightened their grip on the match.
Sanjida Akter Meghla delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with impressive figures of 3/21. Nahida matched her impact with 3/18, while Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni provided valuable support by picking up key wickets at crucial moments.
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure. From a comfortable position at 58/1, they collapsed to 84/8 as Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Fatima Sana, Saira Jabeen and Tuba Hassan all departed during a disastrous middle-order slump.
Bangladesh Stay Alive in Group 1
The disciplined bowling display ensured Pakistan never recovered. Boundaries became increasingly difficult to find, and the required run rate continued to rise as Bangladesh maintained relentless pressure.
Pakistan eventually closed on 100/8 from their 20 overs, falling 23 runs short of the target.
The victory was a testament to Bangladesh’s resilience. After recovering from a top-order collapse through the efforts of Nigar Sultana and Shorna Akter, their bowlers delivered a clinical performance to defend a modest total.
With two valuable points secured, Bangladesh remain firmly in contention in Group 1 and have given their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign a significant boost.
