The Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed an intense showdown between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the women’s cricket competition, where Bangladesh emerged victorious by five wickets in a low-scoring bronze-medal playoff.
This remarkable clash showcased exceptional performances from both sides, with Shorna Akter emerging as the hero for Bangladesh.
The match statistics paint a picture of a gripping encounter: Bangladesh, chasing a target of 65, finished at 65 for 5. While the scorecard might not excite those unfamiliar with cricket, the intensity of the game and the significance of the result cannot be overstated.
Bangladesh’s journey to the bronze podium was a rollercoaster ride, with Shorna Akter playing a pivotal role. First, she demolished Pakistan’s lower-middle order with her exceptional bowling, taking three crucial wickets for just 16 runs. Then, when Bangladesh’s lower-middle order faced a similar challenge, Shorna rose to the occasion with the bat, guiding her team to a well-deserved victory.
The match began with Bangladesh winning the toss and choosing to field. Pakistan struggled from the outset, losing two wickets within the first two overs. By the ninth over, they were in dire straits at 18 for 4. Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Sanjida Akter, and Rabeya Khan shared the wickets for Bangladesh.
The only resistance came from Sadaf Shamas, who managed to reach double figures during this phase.
Pakistan’s innings saw a bit of a resurgence thanks to Natalia Pervaiz (11), captain Nida Dar (14), and Aliya Riaz (17). However, Shorna Akter’s brilliance shone through in the 15th over, as she dismissed Dar and Umm-e-Hani and then took out Riaz in the final over. Pakistan’s innings concluded with a modest total of 64 runs on the board.
With such a low target to chase, Bangladesh had a promising start, with Shamima Sultana and Shathi Rani putting up 27 runs for the first wicket. However, quick dismissals of both openers left the scoreboard reading 30 for 2, and Nashra Sandhu added to Pakistan’s hope by taking wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh found themselves at 43 for 4 by the 11th over.
A few more runs and the outcome could have been different for Pakistan. However, Bangladesh had a clear strategy – accumulate runs steadily through singles. Shorna Akter executed this strategy to perfection, remaining unbeaten with 14 runs off 33 balls, without hitting a boundary or a six. Bangladesh secured victory with ten balls to spare.
The significance of this victory goes beyond the bronze medal; it’s a testament to Bangladesh’s progress in women’s cricket. In a thrilling contest reminiscent of the 2014 Asian Games final, where Pakistan narrowly won by four runs through the DLS method, Bangladesh showed their mettle and came out on top this time.
This memorable clash will undoubtedly inspire women’s cricket in both Bangladesh and Pakistan, showcasing the talent and determination of the players on the Asian stage.
It’s a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket in the region, and it will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in the history of Asian Games cricket.
