Pakistan knocked out of Women's T20 World Cup after batting shocker vs Bangladesh

Pakistan have been knocked out of the Women’s T20 World Cup after Bangladesh defeated them by 23 runs in a Group A match on Saturday at the iconic Edgbaston in Birmingham. Chasing a target of 164, Pakistan were coasting comfortably at 69 for two after 11 overs, but thereafter, they suffered a dramatic and horror batting collapse.

Pakistan managed to score only 20 runs in their last nine overs as Bangladesh snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in remarkable fashion. Pakistan still have two matches remaining in the group stage, but their qualification fate is no longer in their own control or hands anymore.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Women's T20 World Cup: Highlights | Scorecard

With Bangladesh's win, the Netherlands, who also began with three losses on the bounce, have been eliminated. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have given themselves a great chance of entering the top two.

JOTY, SHORNA HELP BANGLADESH RECOVER

Bangladesh staged a strong recovery from an early collapse to post 123/6 at the Rose Bowl. With their semifinal hopes on the line, they were in immediate trouble as Fatima Sana struck twice in the opening over. Dilara Akter fell for five, Sharmin Akhter was dismissed for a duck, and Juairiya Ferdous departed for seven, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 13/3.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty led the fightback with a composed 36 off 38 balls, striking five boundaries while anchoring the innings. She was well supported by Sobhana Mostary, who made 22 off 19 deliveries as the pair rebuilt after the early damage.

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control through the middle overs, with Fatima Sana finishing with figures of 4-1-18-2, while Nashra Sandhu was economical, conceding just 14 runs in her four-over spell. Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan also chipped in with a wicket each.

Just when Bangladesh appeared to be slipping to a below-par total, Shorna Akter provided late momentum with an unbeaten 39 off 22 balls at a strike rate of 177.27. Her aggressive knock, featuring five boundaries, lifted Bangladesh from 92/6 to a competitive finish. While the total is not a dominant one, Bangladesh will take confidence from the resilience shown by their middle and lower order after the early collapse.

PAKISTAN ENDURE HORROR BATTING COLLAPSE

Pakistan endured another underwhelming batting performance as they were restricted to 100 for 8 by Bangladesh. Pakistan did not race along, but for the first half of the innings they looked on course for a competitive total, with the required run rate hovering around a run-a-ball.

Muneeba Ali once again showed resistance at the top, scoring 25 off 30 balls with a boundary and a six, but her dismissal at 69 marked the start of a steady decline. Gull Feroza had earlier provided a brisk start with 23 off 18 balls, striking four boundaries before falling in the powerplay phase.

The middle order failed to capitalise, with Ayesha Zafar (11), Iram Javed (9) and captain Fatima Sana (10) all getting starts but unable to convert them into meaningful contributions. Pakistan slipped from a promising position of 69 for 2 to 84 for 8, losing six wickets for just 15 runs in a dramatic collapse.

Bangladesh’s spin attack proved decisive, led by Nahida Akter, who claimed 3 for 18, while Sanjida Akter Meghla also picked up 3 wickets. Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni chipped in with one wicket each, as Pakistan struggled to rotate strike and build partnerships.

Lower-order batters Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab added late runs, but by then Pakistan were already out of the contest. Pakistan will now play for pride in their last two league matches against the Netherlands and Australia