Southampton, June 20, 2026: Pakistan produced a disciplined all-round bowling performance to restrict Bangladesh to 123/6 in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on Saturday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum throughout their innings and were rescued by a fighting knock from captain Nigar Sultana and a late flourish from Shorna Akter.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana set the tone early with a fiery spell, striking twice in the second over to remove opener Dilara Akter for five and Sharmin Akter for a duck, leaving Bangladesh under immediate pressure.
The situation worsened when Tasmia Rubab dismissed the other opener, Juairiya Ferdous, for five, reducing Bangladesh to 13/3 in the early stages of the innings.
With wickets tumbling, Sobhana Mostary joined skipper Nigar Sultana at the crease and the pair steadied the innings with a cautious 35-run partnership. Mostary scored 22 off 19 balls, including three boundaries, before Nashra Sandhu broke the stand in the 10th over.
Sultana then attempted to anchor the innings, adding useful runs alongside Ritu Moni and later Shorna Akter. However, the Bangladesh captain was dismissed by Sadia Iqbal in the 18th over after top-scoring with a patient 36 off 38 deliveries, striking five fours.
Shorna Akter provided late impetus with an unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls, hitting five boundaries to push Bangladesh past the 120-run mark and give her side a fighting chance.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings, preventing Bangladesh from accelerating despite the late surge.
Captain Fatima Sana led the attack with figures of 2/18 from her four overs, while Tuba Hassan, Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan will now look to chase down the target of 124 and strengthen their position in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
