Women’s World Cup: Sidra Ameen’s historic hundreds for Pakistan was in vain as Bangladesh won for the first time in tournament history, successfully defending a total of 234 runs in Hamilton on Monday.
Bangladesh won its first ever game at a Women’s World Cup, beating Pakistan by 9 runs in Hamilton (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pakistan suffered their third consecutive defeat at the 2022 Women’s World Cup
- Sidra Ameen became the first Pakistani woman to reach a World Cup ton
- Bangladesh moved up to 6th place after their historic victory
Bangladesh has scored its first-ever victory at a Women’s World Cup when they successfully defended 234 against Pakistan in their league match at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday. The historic victory put them 6th in the 8-team table while Pakistan squint after losing three games at the World Cup in New Zealand.
Pakistan suffered heartbreak as Sidra Ameen hit her first 100 mark in a Women’s World Cup game. But the opening game’s efforts were in vain as Pakistan went from 183/2 to 188/7 before being restricted to 225/9 in 50 overs.
“Very hard to take. Some bad shots from the middle order cost us the game,” said Pakistan skipper Bisma Maroof.
“Ameen played well but was disappointed that she didn’t finish the game. We should have chased it but shot selection let us down.”
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 9 runs to win their first-ever game at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/JtfX73lWjd
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 14, 2022
AMEEN TRYING TO FORGIVE
Pakistan, riding Sidra Ameen’s strong show, remained in the hunt even as supply rates rose; However, the 44th over, bowled by Fahima Khatun, changed the complexion of the game.
Khatun picked up Aliya Riyaz and Fatima Sana for ducks before running out Sidra Nawaz for 1 as Pakistan slipped from 185/4 to 188/7 in a six-delivery span.
The outflow of Sidra Ameen in the 48th was the final blow from which Pakistan failed to recover. Salma Khatun threw the penultimate over and wasted just 3 runs while Pakistan needed 19 from their last 2 overs.
“HISTORICAL MOMENT”
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana was overjoyed as Bangladesh ended the battle for their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory.
“I don’t think I can describe the feeling. It’s a historic moment. We know Pakistan really well. We beat them in qualifying too. The girls worked hard. A win gives you a lot of confidence.” We’re improving and we know we’re a capable team,” said the skipper.
Bangladesh rode on 71 from Fargana Hoque and solid contributions from captain Sultana (46) and Sharmin Akhter (44) to complete a competitive total that in the end proved too much for Pakistan.
SHORT RESULTS
Bangladesh 234/7 in 50 overs (Hoque 71; Sandhu 3/41) beat Pakistan 225/9 in 50 overs (Ameen 104; Fahima 3/38) by 9 runs.
