Bangladesh vs Pakistan ICC Womens T20 World Cup Warm Up Match

Bangladesh Overpowers Pakistan by 23 Runs in T20 World Cup Warm-Up Match

Bangladesh showcased a solid all-round performance to secure a 23-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match at the ICC Academy Ground No.2 in Dubai. Shorna Akter played a pivotal role, top-scoring with the bat and taking crucial wickets to guide Bangladesh to victory.

Bangladesh Post Competitive Total After Steady Start

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh got off to a promising start, with openers Shathi Rani and Dilara Akter adding 33 runs for the first wicket. Dilara Akter fell for 10 in the fourth over, but the foundation had been laid for a solid total.

Contributions from Sobhana Mostary (15), Nigar Sultana (18), and Taj Nehar (17) kept the scoreboard ticking, although none of them managed to convert their starts into substantial scores. It was Shorna Akter who provided the late impetus, striking an unbeaten 28 off just 17 balls, supported by Ritu Moni, who added 14 from eight balls. Bangladesh finished their innings on 140/7 from 20 overs, with Sadia Iqbal being the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 2/19.

Pakistan Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 141 for victory, Pakistan struggled from the outset. Muneeba Ali was dismissed in the second over, and Sidra Amin (10) followed soon after, leaving Pakistan at 38/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Fahima Khatun was instrumental in turning the screws on Pakistan, dismissing Sidra Amin, running out Nida Dar, and clean bowling Iram Javed for a golden duck, as Pakistan slumped to 65/5. 

Omaima Sohail fought valiantly to keep Pakistan in the game, scoring a run-a-ball 33. However, her dismissal, caught off the bowling of Rabeya Khan (2/29), effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes. The innings wrapped up at 117 all out in 18.4 overs, falling 23 runs short of the target. Marufa Akter and Shorna Akter were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking two wickets each.

Scorecard Summary

Bangladesh Innings: 140/7 in 20 overs 
- Shorna Akter: 28* (17 balls)  
- Shathi Rani: 23 (20 balls)  
- Sadia Iqbal: 2/19  
- Fatima Sana: 1/22  

Pakistan Innings: 117 all out in 18.4 overs
- Omaima Sohail: 33 (33 balls)  
- Fatima Sana: 17 (15 balls)  
- Marufa Akter: 2/15  
- Shorna Akter: 2/16  
- Rabeya Khan: 2/29  

Bangladesh won by 23 runs.

Bangladesh's all-round performance was key to their victory, with Shorna Akter excelling in both batting and bowling. The team made effective use of their batting depth to post a competitive total and followed it up with disciplined bowling to restrict Pakistan. Pakistan, meanwhile, struggled to build partnerships, and their middle-order collapse proved costly. With both teams preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bangladesh will be buoyed by their performance, while Pakistan will need to address their batting vulnerabilities to bounce back in the tournament.