Bangladesh reignited their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 23-run victory over Pakistan in Southampton, overcoming a shaky start with the bat before producing a clinical bowling display to defend 123 and register a crucial win.
The match appeared to be slipping away from Bangladesh early in their innings. Batting first, they lost three wickets for just 13 runs inside the opening five overs as Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck twice and Tasmia Rubab removed Juairiya Ferdous. With the top order back in the pavilion and the scoring rate crawling, Bangladesh needed a rebuilding effort.
Captain Nigar Sultana answered the call. She anchored the innings with a measured 36(38), adding valuable runs alongside Sobhana Mostary, who contributed 22(19). The pair steadied the innings after the early collapse, allowing Bangladesh to gradually recover from a disastrous start.
However, it was Shorna Akter who provided the innings-defining contribution. Walking in with Bangladesh still searching for momentum, she produced an unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls, striking five boundaries and accelerating brilliantly in the final overs. Her late flourish ensured Bangladesh crossed the 120-mark, finishing on 123/6 after a recovery that had looked unlikely during the powerplay.
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza added 49 runs for the first wicket. Gull scored 23(18) while Muneeba made 25(30), and with Pakistan reaching 58/1 in the 10th over, the target appeared well within reach. But Bangladesh’s bowlers had other ideas. The turning point arrived when Nahida Akter removed both openers and exposed Pakistan’s middle order.
What followed was a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh’s spinners squeezed the chase from both ends. Sanjida Akter Meghla was outstanding, claiming 3/21, while Nahida matched her tally with figures of 3/18. Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni also chipped in with key breakthroughs as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.
From a comfortable 58/1, Pakistan slumped to 84/8, with Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Fatima Sana, Saira Jabeen and Tuba Hassan all falling during a decisive middle-overs collapse. The pressure created by Bangladesh’s bowlers meant boundaries became scarce and the required rate steadily climbed beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Pakistan eventually finished on 100/8 from their 20 overs, handing Bangladesh a memorable victory built on resilience and discipline. After recovering from an early batting crisis, Bangladesh executed their plans perfectly with the ball to secure two vital points and keep themselves firmly in contention in Group 1.
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