Pakistan Women began their ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 campaign with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women at the Karwan Cricket Ground in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday.
Leg-spinner Tuba Hassan claimed three wickets as Bangladesh suffered a middle-order collapse and finished on 108/9 from their 20 overs. Pakistan then completed the chase in just 15.5 overs, reaching 112/2 with 25 balls remaining.
Sadaf Shamas led the chase with 37 runs, while captain Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar remained unbeaten on 31 and 27 respectively.
The result gave Pakistan a winning start to the Group B competition, while Bangladesh were left searching for answers after struggling to build partnerships and maintain their scoring rate.
Bangladesh Lose Four Wickets for Six Runs After Promising Recovery
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty elected to bat first, but her team struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. The opening six overs produced only 23 runs and cost Bangladesh two wickets, putting immediate pressure on the middle order.
Sharmin Akhter and Nigar attempted to rebuild the innings, guiding Bangladesh to 52 runs at the halfway stage. Their partnership briefly provided stability after the difficult start.
Nigar was the team’s leading scorer, contributing 27 from 20 deliveries and providing some much-needed attacking intent.
However, Bangladesh’s hopes of posting a competitive total faded when Pakistan struck repeatedly through the middle overs.
The Tigresses lost four wickets for just six runs, collapsing to 68/6 as the batting lineup failed to withstand the pressure.
The sudden loss of wickets prevented Bangladesh from accelerating during a crucial phase of the innings and left the lower order facing a difficult rebuilding task.
Tuba Hassan and Nashra Sandhu Lead Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Pakistan’s spinners played a decisive role in restricting Bangladesh to a modest total. Tuba Hassan was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3/26. Her ability to take wickets during the middle overs disrupted Bangladesh’s recovery and prevented the batters from establishing partnerships.
Nashra Sandhu provided valuable support, claiming 2/13 from her four overs. Her economical spell limited scoring opportunities and increased the pressure on Bangladesh’s middle order.
Despite the collapse, Shorna Akter helped Bangladesh add valuable runs towards the end of the innings. She remained unbeaten on 21 from 20 deliveries, while Rabeya Khan contributed 11 as Bangladesh recovered sufficiently to reach 108/9.
However, the total left little margin for error against a Pakistan batting lineup capable of scoring quickly.
Sadaf Shamas and Muneeba Ali Put Pakistan in Control
Pakistan began their chase of 109 with an aggressive approach, led by opener Shawaal Zulfiqar. Shawaal struck 16 from just six deliveries before being dismissed in the second over, giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough.
However, Pakistan quickly regained control through Sadaf Shamas and captain Muneeba Ali. The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket, combining sensible strike rotation with regular scoring opportunities to keep Pakistan ahead of the required rate.
Sadaf contributed 37 from 37 balls before her dismissal ended the partnership. Her innings ensured Pakistan were comfortably placed heading into the final stages of the chase, leaving Bangladesh with limited opportunities to apply pressure.
Muneeba remained composed throughout, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 31 from 34 deliveries.
Ayesha Zafar Finishes the Chase With 25 Balls Remaining
Following Sadaf’s dismissal, Ayesha Zafar joined Muneeba and immediately increased Pakistan’s scoring rate. Ayesha struck an unbeaten 27 from just 18 deliveries, providing the acceleration required to complete the chase comfortably. The two batters guided Pakistan to 112/2 in 15.5 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory with more than four overs remaining.
Bangladesh’s only wicket-takers were Sobhana Mostary and Shorna Akter, who claimed one dismissal each.
Although the Tigresses managed two breakthroughs, they could not build sustained pressure against Pakistan’s top order.
The partnership between Muneeba and Ayesha ensured there was no late uncertainty, giving Pakistan a commanding opening victory.
Bangladesh Face Zimbabwe in Next Group B Match
The defeat exposed several concerns for Bangladesh, particularly their inability to maintain momentum after losing early wickets. Despite useful contributions from Nigar Sultana and Shorna Akter, the middle-order collapse significantly reduced their chances of posting a competitive score.
Pakistan benefited from a balanced performance, with their spinners controlling the first innings before the batters completed the chase efficiently.
Bangladesh will look to recover when they face Zimbabwe in their second Group B fixture on Friday. The Tigresses will need stronger partnerships and greater consistency with the bat to improve their position in the tournament.
For Pakistan, the comprehensive victory provides an encouraging start as they aim to build momentum in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026.
