Bangla women on the rise

Rubya Haider Jhilik

Opener Rubya Haider Jhilik hit a debut fifty as Bangladesh cruised to a seven-wicket win over Pakistan on the back of a fine bowling effort to record just their second victory in a Women’s World Cup on Thursday in Colombo.

Seamer Marufa Akter set the tone with two wickets - both bowled - in the first over after Pakistan chose to bat. From there the spinners took over and Pakistan, having lost star batter Sidra Ameen to the first ball she faced, collapsed to 129 all out in 38.3 overs.

Marufa Akter

Bangladesh made a nervy start to their chase and crawled to 35-2 from 12 overs before skipper Nigar Sultana Joty came in.

She showed some intent and Jhilik followed, taking over as the chief aggressor in a 62-run partnership that took the game away from Pakistan.

Jhilik went on to reach her half-century from 64 balls just after Joty had been dismissed and finished unbeaten on 54 from 77 deliveries.

It was left to Sobhana Mostary to get Bangladesh over the line, scoring 24 not out - all in boundaries - to finish the job with 18.5 overs to spare.

The comprehensive win comes three and a half years after Bangladesh’s maiden World Cup victory, also over Pakistan, in Hamilton, and such a performance will raise hopes that it will not be their last at this tournament.

(BBC sport)

Scores:
Pakistan 129 in 38.3 overs (Shamim 23, Shorna 3 for 5)
Bangladesh 131-3 in 31.1 overs (Jhilik 54 not out)