Bangladesh begin U-19 tri-series with win

COLLECTED PHOTO

Bangladesh made a winning start to the U-19 Women’s T20 Tri-Nation Series in Faisalabad, beating hosts Pakistan by 30 runs at the Iqbal Stadium on Friday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Bangladesh posted 117-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sadia Akter played a crucial unbeaten knock of 34 from 25 balls, hitting a four and two sixes, while Nishita Akter Nishi added 23 runs at number three.

Bangladesh were struggling at 47-4 before Sadia helped steady the innings and guided the team to a competitive total. For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Mahnoor Zeb was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-24.

In reply, Pakistan were restricted to 87-6 despite a fighting 29 from Komal Khan. Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the hosts under constant pressure and never allowed them to build any significant partnerships.

Player of the match Nishita impressed with both bat and ball, following up her 23-run contribution with figures of 2-16 from four overs. Left-arm spinner Afrin Mim also made an impact, while Farjana Easmin Medha and Oddrita Nowshin claimed one wicket each.

Bangladesh used six bowlers in the innings and all of them maintained tight lines, conceding fewer than six runs per over.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on Saturday, while Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in their second match of the tournament on 5 October.