DHAKA : Bangladesh Women’s team tasted a seven-wicket
defeat to Pakistan in their last match of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers at
Lahore City Cricket Association Ground in Lahore, Pakistan today.
This was Bangladesh’s second consecutive defeat, having won the first three
matches in a row. The defeat, however, kept them awaiting for qualifying the World Cup later
this year as they would have to wait for the outcome of the match between
West Indies and Thailand. Bangladesh still had the edge of superior run rate, meaning West Indies
needed to win the game by a huge margin, which looked unlikely. Pakistan, meanwhile, won all of their five matches to confirm their berth
into the World Cup. Electing to bat first, Bangladesh were restricted to 178-9 with Ritu Moni
making highest 48. Fahima Khatun was not out on 44.The duo were responsible in giving the scoreboard some respectability after
the top four batters, barring Sharmin Akhter Supta failed miserably. Supta
made 24. Sadia Iqbal ripped through Bangladesh with 3-28 and was ably supported by
Fatima Sana and Diana Baig who both scalped two wickets apiece. Muneeba Ali led the charge with 69 off 93, hitting eight fours as Pakistan
reached 181-3 for a facile victory in 39.4 overs. Aliya Riaz was the other
notable contributor with 52 not out.
