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LAHORE: Bangladesh Under-19 women got off the mark in the Rivaj Presents University of Lahore U19 Women’s T20 Tri-Nation Series with a convincing 30-run victory over hosts Pakistan at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Friday — a day that marked a historic first as the venue hosted an international women’s fixture for the very first time.
Defending a modest 117 for 8, the visitors produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict Pakistan to 87 for 6 in 20 overs. Player of the Match Nishita Akter Nishi was the star of the show for Bangladesh, making an impact with both bat and ball. The right-arm off-spinner first chipped in with a crucial 23 off 33 balls at number three, and then returned figures of 2 for 16 in her four overs to derail Pakistan’s chase.
Chasing 118, Pakistan’s top-scorer Komal Khan fought a lone battle with 29 off 39 balls laced with three boundaries. She had given the hosts a brisk start alongside Ravail Farhan, adding 21 runs for the opening wicket. Ravail looked in fine touch, racing to 17 off 12 balls with four fours before being trapped LBW by left-arm spinner Afrin Mim.
That early breakthrough triggered a collapse, with Pakistan slipping from 21 for no loss to 58 for 5. The middle-order, which has been the backbone in domestic cricket, failed to fire. Zoofishan Ayyaz made 12 off 15 balls and Aqsa Habib managed 9 off 14 — both falling to Nishita. Much was expected from debutant Pakeeza Shabbir after her prolific run in the U19 domestic T20 tournament, but she could only manage six runs at number three, while pinch-hitter Shahar Bano was tied down during her 18-ball stay without a single boundary.
Bangladesh’s bowling was a collective effort with all six bowlers going at under six runs per over. Apart from Nishita’s two wickets, Afrin Mim, Farjana Easmim Medha and Oddrita Nowshin picked up a wicket each.
