LAHORE: Fine batting and bowling inspired Pakistan women to a historic 14-run win over their Bangladesh counterparts in the opening fixture of the three-match T20 International series at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday.

Playing their first-ever international match at the home of Pakistan cricket, the hosts elected to bat after winning the toss. But Pakistan were curtailed to a modest 126-7, chiefly due last-over heroics from Sidra Nawaz. The wicket-keeper took 16 runs — all boundaries — of that over bowled by Bangladesh skipper Salma Khatun.

Captain Bismah Maroof and Omaima Sohail shared a 60-run partnership for the third-wicket after both openers had gone inside first three overs with just 15 runs on board.

Bismah struck 34 from 29 balls (six fours), while Omaima hit a 36-ball 33 (four fours). Iram Javed then blasted two sixes and a four in making a 17-ball 21.

Right-arm pacer Jahanara Alam picked up four wickets for 17 runs in four overs to emerge as pick of the Bangladesh bowlers.

But Bangladesh’s response with the bat was feeble despite Rumana Ahmed striking an entertaining half-century as she scored a 30-ball 50, which was studded with six fours and two sixes.

Rumana slogged brilliantly and hoisted Bismah twice and hit as many fours to take 23 runs off her bowling.

With the visitors needing 18 from the final over, pacer Aliya Riaz conceded just three runs and took the prized wicket of Rumana as well.

Bismah was declared as player-of-the-match

Aliya finished with 1-12 in four overs, while Anam Amin was the most successful wicket-taker with 2-13.

The second match will be played on Monday.

Brief scores:

PAKISTAN WOMEN 126-7 in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 34, Omaima Sohail 33, Iram Javed 21; Jahanara Alam 4-17); BANGLADESH WOMEN 112-7 in 20 overs (Rumana Ahmed 50; Anam Amin 2-13).

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2019