Bangladesh secure warm-up win over Pakistan ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup
Shorna Akter stars with bat and ball as Pakistan fall short in second consecutive defeat
Bangladesh bounced back from their earlier defeat to Sri Lanka by beating Pakistan in a thrilling warm-up match ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 140/7, thanks to a late surge from Shorna Akter, whose unbeaten 28 off 17 balls added vital runs in the final overs.
At one point, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 94/5 after 16 overs, but Akter's aggressive stroke play helped push the total beyond Pakistan's reach. Pakistan, who had opted to field first, were unable to capitalise on their earlier dominance.
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In reply, Pakistan started promisingly but faltered against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack. Shorna Akter was once again the key player, picking up crucial wickets, while Rabeya Khan's dismissal of Omaima Sohail for 33 left Pakistan struggling at 115/8 with two overs to go.
Despite Sohail's effort to stabilise the chase, Pakistan couldn't keep up with the rising required rate and eventually finished well short of the target, handing Bangladesh a morale-boosting win.
This victory comes after Bangladesh's earlier loss to Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match, where they were beaten by 33 runs. Now, with this crucial win against Pakistan, the Tigresses will look to carry the momentum into their opening World Cup fixture against Scotland on 3 october.
