Tuba Hassan’s three-wicket haul and an unbeaten partnership between captain Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in their Group ‘B’ match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground in Ajman on Thursday.

After opting to bowl, Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to 108-9 in their allotted 20 overs through a disciplined bowling performance led by Tuba, who claimed three wickets for 26 runs. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu also impressed, taking two wickets for 13 runs.

Bangladesh appeared to be in a reasonable position at 52-2 before their innings suffered a dramatic collapse. They lost five wickets for just 16 runs as Pakistan tightened their grip on the match.

Tuba triggered the slide by dismissing Sharmin Akter for nine before removing Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who scored 27, and Ritu Moni for two.

Nashra provided further breakthroughs to keep the opposition under pressure, while Shorna Akter offered some resistance with an unbeaten 21 to help Bangladesh cross the 100-run mark. Nigar’s 27 remained the highest individual score for her side.

In reply, Pakistan made a brisk start, with Shawaal Zulfiqar striking four boundaries in a six-ball 16 before departing early.

Sadaf Shamas then steadied the innings with a valuable 37, helping Pakistan reach 68-2 at the halfway stage and keeping the required run rate comfortably within reach.

Captain Muneeba and Ayesha completed the chase without further loss, putting together an unbeaten 44-run stand for the third wicket.

Muneeba remained not out on 31, while Ayesha contributed an unbeaten 27 as Pakistan reached 112-2 in 15.5 overs, sealing victory with 25 balls to spare.

Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostary and Shorna took one wicket apiece, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent Pakistan from securing a comprehensive win.

The victory was built on Pakistan’s effective bowling after Bangladesh had made a steady start, with Tuba’s strikes in the middle overs proving decisive.

Pakistan’s batters then ensured there was no late drama, completing the chase comfortably to strengthen their position in Group ‘B’.