SYLHET: Pakistan went top of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup league round standings after beating hosts Bangladesh by nine wickets at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

It was the side’s second win in a row after they opened their campaign with a victory over Malaysia by an identical margin.

Pakistan struck early after Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof won the toss and put Bangladesh in to bat when pacer Diana Baig cleaned up opener Shamima Sultana.

It was over to the Pakistan spinners after that with Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail and Sadia Iqbal sharing four wickets between them. Diana took another wicket to restrict the hosts to 70-8 in 20 overs.

Pakistan openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin gave their team a solid start, hitting 40 runs in the powerplay with the help of five boundaries. The pair combined for nine more runs before Muneeba was caught behind off Saima Khatun for 14 off 19 (one four).

Sidra went on to get Pakistan over the line along with Bismah (12 not out), returning unbeaten at 36 off 35 after a knock which included four boundaries. The right-hander was adjudged player of the match.

In another fixture, India beat Malaysia by 30 runs on D/L Method after they posted 181-2, only to see the match washed out due to rain with Malaysia at 16-2 two balls into the sixth over.

India are equal on points with Pakistan but are placed second due to difference in the net run-rate.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets

BANGLADESH 70-8 in 20 overs (Salma Khatun 24 not out; Diana Baig 2-11, Nida Dar 2-19); PAKISTAN 72-1 in 12.2 overs (Sidra Amin 36 not out).

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2022