World T20: Commanding Pakistan women beat Bangladesh

Pakistan produced a commanding performance to beat Bangladesh by nine wickets and not only register their second consecutive win in the tournament but also kept their semi-final hopes alive in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 at the Feroze Shah Kotla, in New Delhi, on Thursday.

After restricting Bangladesh women to 113 for nine, Pakistan eves chased down the target with consummate ease. By virtue of this win, Paskitan have moved up the standings with two wins from three games and enhanced their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. They will face England Women in their last Group B fixture on March 27 at Chennai. Bagladesh's campaign came to a disappointing end as they failed to win a single game in the tournament.

Pakistan women, however, did not have the best of starts as they lost opener Nidra Khan (10) early. But therafter, it was cakewalk for Pakistan women as Sidra Ameen (53 off 48, 4x4s) and Bismah Mahroof (43 off 42, 5x4s) put on unbeaten 99 runs off just 16.3 overs to ensure the comfortable victory. Salma Khatun (1/15) picked up the only Pakistan wicket to fall on the day.

Earlier electing to bat, Bangladesh women were stifled by some good bowling and fielding from Pakistan Women as they could only muster 113 for nine. Middle-order batswoman Fargana Hoque top-scored for Bangladesh with 36 off 37 balls during which she struck two boundaries. Besides Fargana, opener Sharmin Akhter (19), Lata Mondal (12), skipper Jahanara Alam (11) and Salma Khatin all got starts before giving away their wickets. Opening the bowling, left-arm spinner Aman Amin (2/12) once again impressed for Pakistan, while fast bowler Asmavia Iqbal (2/30) also chipped in with two wickets.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh women: 113 for nine in 20 overs (Fargana Hoque 36; Anam Amin 2/12, Asmavia Iqbal 2/30). Pakistan women: 114 for one in 16.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 53 not out; Bismah Maroof 43 not out; Salma Khatun 1/15).