ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 23 runs in warm-up game

Bangladesh secured a 23-run victory over Pakistan in a warm-up match for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Monday, thanks to an all-round performance by Shorna Akter. 

Chasing 141 for victory, Pakistan's batting struggled as they were bowled out for 117 in 18.4 overs. Omaima Sohail tried to hold the innings together with a steady 33 off 33 balls, but Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals. 

Their problems started early when opener Muneeba Ali fell for just 11 in the second over. Despite a 24-run stand between Sidra Amin and Gull Feroza, both were dismissed quickly, leaving Pakistan at 42/3.

Omaima and skipper Fatima Sana added a 33-run partnership, with Fatima chipping in with 17 from 12 balls, but the efforts weren’t enough to chase down the total.

Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets around, with Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Rabeya Khan taking two wickets each, while Nahida Akter claimed one.

Earlier, after choosing to bat, Bangladesh put up 140/7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a late boost from Shorna and Ritu Moni. The pair added 36 runs in just 16 balls for the sixth wicket, with Shorna leading the charge, scoring 28 from 17 balls.

Opener Shathi Rani also contributed a quick 23 off 16 balls, giving Bangladesh a solid start. Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with two wickets, while Diana Baig, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, and Omaima Sohail each took one.

Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh followed their eight-wicket defeat against Scotland in their first warm-up game, making it two losses in a row ahead of the main tournament.