Bangladesh’s spinners squeeze Pakistan out of the World Cup

Pakistan needed 124 to stay alive at the Women’s T20 World Cup. They never got close. Bangladesh’s spinners squeezed the life out of the chase at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, defending a modest total to win by 23 runs and send Pakistan out of the tournament with two group games still to play.

It was a result that looked unlikely at the halfway stage. Bangladesh had scratched their way to 123 for 6, a total Pakistan would have backed themselves to knock off on a decent surface. Instead the chase fell apart in the middle overs, and Pakistan’s tournament is over almost as soon as it began.

Shorna’s late cameo gives Bangladesh something to bowl at

For long stretches of their innings Bangladesh looked short of a competitive score. Captain Nigar Sultana held the innings together with 36 off 38 balls, and Sobhana Mostary chipped in with 22 from 19, but the runs came in fits and starts against a disciplined Pakistan attack.

What changed the complexion of the total was Shorna Akter at the death. Her unbeaten 39 came off just 22 balls and dragged Bangladesh from a below-par position to 123 for 6, a score that at least gave their bowlers a target to defend rather than a formality to concede.

The spinners turn the screw

Pakistan started the chase as favourites and finished it nowhere near. Bangladesh’s slow bowlers strangled the middle overs, and once the required rate began to climb the wickets followed. Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akter Meghla took three wickets apiece, picking off Pakistan’s batters through the phase of the innings where the game is usually won.

Pakistan limped to 100 for 8 from their 20 overs, 23 short and never threatening to break free. It was the kind of collapse that has defined their campaign in England, where batting depth and an inability to build partnerships have repeatedly let them down.

Pakistan out, Bangladesh still alive

This was Pakistan’s third defeat in three matches. Having already lost to India and South Africa, the loss to Bangladesh confirmed their elimination from the World Cup with two group fixtures to spare. For a side that has struggled for results on the global stage, another early exit will sting.

Bangladesh, by contrast, keep their hopes flickering. The win lifts them to two victories from three after their earlier success against the Netherlands and a heavy defeat to Australia, and it keeps them in the conversation as the group enters its closing stretch. They will need more of the same with the bat, and plenty more of the spin that undid Pakistan, to push for a place in the last four.

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