In an exciting clash at the Pakistan Women’s Under-19s T20 Tournament in Faisalabad, Bangladesh Women Under-19s delivered a disciplined, spirited performance to outplay Pakistan Women Under-19s in a tense finish.
Taking the field to bat first, Bangladesh U19 found themselves in immediate trouble as the Pakistan bowling attack struck early. Opener Aritry Nirjona Mondol fell without troubling the scorers, trapped lbw by Rozina Akram for a 3-ball duck in the very first over (0.4 ov) with just 1 run on the board. The pressure intensified moments later when Shahar Bano cleaned up Shirina Khatun for 3 off 4 balls at 4/2 (1.2 ov).
Faced with an early crisis, wicketkeeper-opener Ochena Jannat and Nishita Akter Nishi joined forces to steady the ship. The duo built a crucial 39-run partnership for the third wicket, blending cautious defense with timely boundary hits. Nishita stroked 20 off 19 balls (3 fours) before Maham Nazakat broke the stand, having her caught by Zoofishan Ayyaz at 43/3 (6.4 ov).
Ochena Jannat continued her fightback alongside skipper Sadia Islam, but Maham Nazakat struck again to trap Ochena lbw for 17 off 18 balls (1 four) with the total at 50/4 (8.3 ov). Captain Sadia Islam then took charge of the innings, pairing up with Sadia Akter for a pivotal 38-run stand for the fifth wicket. Sadia Islam struck a bright 24 off 21 balls featuring 3 boundaries before Rozina Akram returned to trap her lbw at 88/5 (13.1 ov).
With five wickets down, the lower-middle order required a grand finish, and Sadia Akter along with Farjana Easmin delivered exactly that. The two stitched together an unbeaten 51-run sixth-wicket partnership that completely shifted the momentum. Sadia Akter remained unbeaten on 33 off 33 deliveries (2 fours, 1 six), while Farjana Easmin provided explosive energy with 28* off 22 balls (3 fours, 1 six). Aiding the effort with 14 extra runs, Bangladesh U19 navigated their 20 overs to finish on 139/5.
Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Rozina Akram led with impressive figures of 2/21 in 4 overs, while Maham Nazakat chipped in with 2/22. Shahar Bano was disciplined with 1/24, whereas Mahnoor Zeb (0/26) and Memoona Khalid (0/35) went wicketless.
Chasing a target of 140 runs, Pakistan U19 got off to a flying, solid start courtesy of their openers, Ravail Farhan and wicketkeeper Komal Khan. The pair dominated the initial overs, putting on a formidable 69-run opening partnership that placed Pakistan firmly in the driver’s seat. Komal Khan scored a lively 36 off 29 balls with 4 fours and a six, while Ravail Farhan anchored the innings with 32 off 29 balls including 6 hits to the fence.
However, the game turned on its head in the 10th over when Bangladesh spinner Nishita Akter Nishi produced a double-strike. First, she bowled Komal Khan at 69/1 (9.2 ov), and just three balls later, had Ravail Farhan caught by Aritry Nirjona Mondol at 70/2 (9.5 ov). Tithi Das then made an instant impact by bowling Areesha Ansari for just 1 run off 2 balls at 71/3 (10.1 ov). From 69/0, Pakistan U19 slid into trouble at 71/3 in a matter of six deliveries.
Zoofishan Ayyaz attempted to rebuild, scoring a steady 32 off 30 balls (3 fours), but Bangladesh kept tightening the screws through Farjana Easmin’s brilliant spell. Farjana got Aqsa Habib caught by substitute fielder for 5 off 14 balls at 89/4 (14.6 ov), and later caught and bowled Pakistan skipper Fizza Fiaz for 9 off 8 balls at 104/5 (17.5 ov). As the required run rate climbed, Farjana removed Zoofishan via a caught-and-bowled at 119/6 (19.1 ov). On the penultimate ball of the match, Memoona Khalid (1) was run out by keeper Ochena Jannat at 126/7 (19.6 ov), leaving Shahar Bano stranded on 8* off 7 balls.
Pakistan U19 ultimately fell short, finishing their 20 overs at 126/7, handing Bangladesh U19 a thrilling 13-run victory. Bangladesh’s bowling performance was brilliantly marshaled by Farjana Easmin (3/25 in 4 overs) and Nishita Akter Nishi (2/28 in 4 overs). Tithi Das delivered an exceptionally economical spell of 1/8 in her 4 overs, including a maiden over. Afrin Mim (0/25 in 4 overs), Sraboni Rani (0/8 in 1 over), and Oddrita Nowshin (0/31 in 3 overs) supported the main attack to restrict the opposition and secure a memorable win.
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