KARACHI: All-rounder Bismah Maroof hit a sparkling unbeaten half-century and grabbed one wicket to spearhead Asian Games champions Pakistan to an impressive 29-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Women’s Twenty20 Inter­n­a­tional here at the Southend Club Ground on Wedn­esday.

Seasoned international Bismah made a brilliant 65 off 67 balls with five boundaries and Javeria Wadood slammed 44 off 43 balls with four hits to the fence as Pakistan recovered to score 124 for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs after electing to bat first.

Bangladesh in reply were restricted to 95 for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs — giving home team an easy win.

Bismah, who won the player-of-the-match award for her all-round show, added 87 runs for the second wicket in 83 balls after opener Marina Iqbal was run out by BD wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana for one. Nida Dar and Irum went back in quick succession for four runs each. However, Bismah looked rock-solid and returned unbeaten.

Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter finished with fine figures of two wickets for 17 runs in her four overs.

Bangladesh lost Sarmin Akhter for duck but Ayesha Rehman and Fargana Haq batted well to give some hope to their team. However, Ayesha was dismissed after making 23 with three fours and Fargana got 22 with the aid of three boundaries.

After that, the rest of the visiting side’s batting flopped against Pakistan bowling and ended at 95-7 in 20 overs.

Amna Amin grabbed two wickets for 17 runs for the home team.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pakistan captain Sana Mir expressed delightat the win but added that they were well short of expected total of around 150 runs.

She was also not happy with the fielding and catching of her team. However, she said there was more pressure on the players while playing at home.

Summarised scores:

PAKISTAN 124-5 in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 65*, Javeria Wadood 44; Nahida Akter 2-17, Jahanara Alam 1-10, Lata Mondal 1-10, Fahima Khutan 1-17). BANGLADESH 95-7 in 20 overs (Ayesha Rehman 23, Fargana Haq 22; Amna Amin 2-17, Aalia Riaz 1-4; Nida Dar 1-9, Sana Mir 1-11, Bismah Maroof 1-14, Sumaiya Siddiqui 1-17.

Published in Dawn October 1st, 2015

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