They were few but vocal. As the Ferozeshah Kotla reverberated with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” on Thursday, the Pakistan women duly obliged with a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in just 16.3 overs in the World T20.
With this win, Pakistan stays in contention for a semifinal spot even as Bangladesh finished its tournament without a win. The result, however, also meant host India is on the verge of elimination, barring other results going its way.
Deciding to bat, Jahanara Alam would have hoped for her team to put up more than the 113 runs it finally managed in 20 overs. But while Pakistan’s bowling was accurate, Bangladesh had itself to blame for committing hara-kiri. Four run outs — going for non-existent runs — and some tight fielding by Pakistan meant Bangladesh never got the momentum going.
Barring some aggressive hitting by Fargana Hoque, who top-scored with 36, there was little in the Bangladesh batting. Anam Amin was impressive once again, snaring two for 12.
In reply, Bangladesh did manage an early breakthrough when Nahida Khan was out leg before to Salma Khatun after a run-a-ball 10 but Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof cantered to the target.
The duo whacked the bowlers to all corners with nonchalance. The 14th over stood out for its dominance. Three consecutive fours by Bismah off Rumana Ahmed proved the gap between the sides. Three overs later, it was all over when Sidra dabbed Panna Ghosh to third man for a single.
The scores: Bangladesh 113 for nine in 20 overs (Fargana Hoque 36, Anam Amin two for 12, Asmavia Iqbal two for 30) lost to Pakistan 114 for one in 16.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 53 not out, Bismah Maroof 43 not out).
