Bangladesh U19 scripts historic win against Australia U19 in opening match

In the very first match of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, Bangladesh pulled off a remarkable win against Australia in Benoni. Bangladesh needs to be credited for their brilliant bowling effort and Dilara Akter’s knock besides the other valuable batting efforts helped Bangladesh win.

Dilara Akter in action against Australia U19. PC: Getty Images
Dilara Akter in action against Australia U19. PC: Getty Images

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Posting 130/5, Australia was perhaps looking for a better outing with the bat. Disha Biswas was instrumental in getting the first breakthrough for Bangladesh dismissing Kate Pelle for 5 and was back in the third over to dismiss Paris Bowdler for 7. The dependable duo of Claire Moore and Ella Hayward rebuilt Australia from when they were reeling at 2-22. The duo batted with a lot of poise and elegance in their partnership. Claire Moore scored a solid 52 before Rabeya Khan got the better of her and Marufa Akter dismissed Lucy Hamilton and subsequently dismissed Ella Hayward for 39. Amy Smith’s 16 off 7 and Rhys McKenna’s 12 off 6 propelled Australia to a formidable 130/5. Marufa Akter and Disha Biswas were a cut above the rest with 2 wickets respectively, Rabeya Khan with her 1 wicket was ably supported by the Bangladeshi bowlers who were accurate with their lines and lengths and were economical at the same time.

Bangladesh was in to bat and were off to a tough start losing Misty Shaha for a golden duck in the very first ball of the innings. However, Afia Prottasha and Dilara Akter batted with grit and determination stitching a lovely partnership. Dilara Akter’s calm and composed 40 set the tone while Prottasha’s 24 was brilliant to compliment her but their twin dismissals by Chloe Ainsworth meant Bangladesh still needed 60-odd runs. It was then that the duo of Shorna Akter and Sumaiya Akter joined hands and with their brilliant knocks of 23 and 31 sealed the deal for Bangladesh guiding them to their first win of the tournament.

Bangladesh has so far been nothing short of spectacular in this tournament winning their warm-up games where they managed to win versus India and carried the vein of form to this match that was brilliant to see and they are certainly a team to watch out for in this tournament. Australia would want to reevaluate its strategies and come back stronger.

Also Read:  Which 16 Teams have Qualified for U19 Women's World Cup 2023?

Brief Scores: AUS 130/5 in 20 overs (C Moore 52, E Hayward 35; M Akter 2/29, D Biswas 2/25) lost to BAN 132/3 in 18 overs (D Akter 40, S Akter 31; C Ainsworth 2/9)

I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.

Liked the story? Leave a comment here

Germany Women’s National Cricket Team Belgium Women’s National Cricket Team France Women’s National Cricket Team
Most Popular Female Cricketers on Instagram List of 10 Brother-Sister pair in Cricket Husband-Wife Pair in Cricket