LAHORE: Pakistan beat Bangaldesh in their final ICC Womens world cup qualifier match, completing a perfect stint in the tournament as they won all five of their matches.
Bangladesh Innings
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated early, with Fatima Sana striking in the third over to dismiss Fargana Hoque for a duck. She added a second wicket by trapping Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana lbw for just one run in the seventh over.
Diana Baig also impressed, taking two wickets – first removing Sharmin Akhter in the 18th over, caught by Muneeba Ali, and later bowling Rabeya Khan in the 48th.
Sadia Iqbal led the attack with three wickets. She removed Dilara Akter in the sixth over, then later dismissed Shorna Akter and Jannatul Ferdus in the 40th and 45th overs respectively, both assisted by keeper Sidra Nawaz.
Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with one wicket each. Ritu Moni top-scored for Bangladesh with 48, while Fahima Khatun added an unbeaten 44, helping the team post 178/9 in 50 overs.
Pakistan Innings
Pakistan’s chase began shakily, losing Shawaal Zulfiqar lbw on the second ball. However, a solid 80-run stand between Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin stabilized the innings. After Sidra departed for 37, Aliya Riaz joined Muneeba to add another 74 runs.
Muneeba top-scored with a fluent 69 off 93 balls, including eight fours. Aliya Riaz remained unbeaten on 52, sealing the win with a boundary in the 40th over, alongside Natalia Pervaiz.
Pakistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory with 62 balls to spare, ending their qualifier campaign with a perfect record.
