Nahida Khan, bowlers snuff out Bangladesh fight

Pakistan posted a tricky 215 in 48.5 overs after opting to bat, with Nahida Khan scoring her sixth ODI half-century. All of Bimah Maroof (39 off 43), Omaima Sohail (29 off 27) and Aliya Riaz (37 off 33) made contributions too.

However, the visitors gave the chase a proper hilt, led by Nigar Sultana’s 77-ball 58, and their fight was only scuppered late on when Salma Khatun was run out after a 14-ball 20. Pakistan’s victory came with 14 balls to spare after Bangladesh were bowled out for 186/10.

Bangladesh’s chase of 216 started out poorly, with Sana Mir sending back both Murshida Khatun (4) and Sanjida Islam (0), leaving Bangladesh in tatters at 9/2 within four overs. However, Sharmin Akhter (20 off 29) and Fargana Hoque (27 off 57) revived the innings with a 32-run stand for the third wicket, and despite Akhter falling in the 10th over, Rumana Ahmed combined with Hoque for another decent stand of 38.

The Bangladesh chase inched ahead, but it only got real impetus when Sultana came into the middle after Hoque fell to Nashra Sandhu. Sultana’s 58 was studded with four fours and a six, and she kept the scoreboard moving even as wickets fell at the other end. The innings received a further boost with the arrival of Salma, and with 40 runs needed in a little over three overs, there were faint hopes for Bangladesh.

But Sultana fell in the 47th over and when Salma was run out soon after, their hopes were snuffed out all too quickly.

Earlier, the Pakistan batters, led by Nahida, expertly worked the Bangladesh bowlers around, each doing their bit to put on partnerships. While Nahida scored a patient 97-ball 68 – a knock studded with seven fours – the likes of Sidra Amin, Maroof, Sohail and Riaz kept the scoreboard ticking along at a decent rate.

Jahanara Alam was the pick among the Bangladesh bowlers, returning 3/44, with both Panna Ghosh and Nahida Akter returning two wickets apiece.

The second ODI will be played on Monday at the same venue.