Tigresses’ watershed moment

Bangladesh women's cricket team immortalised their maiden 50-over ICC World Cup appearance by overcoming Pakistan in a nine-run nail-biter as the Tigresses registered their inaugural win of the mega event in Hamilton yesterday.

Many are, therefore, comparing the women's latest success in New Zealand to the men's triumph over their Pakistani counterparts in their maiden World Cup appearance back in 1999.

Nigar Sultana Joty and her troops displayed stellar character despite being under tremendous and sustained pressure in defending a target of 235 runs. In the end, the women in red and green devised a spectacular comeback to restrict Pakistan to 225 for 9 after 50 overs.

Pakistan, at one stage though, found themselves 183 for two in 41.5 overs following a 91-run opening stand, but things quickly fell apart as Fahima Khatun and Rumana Ahmed, the two leg spinners, spun their magic. Pakistan lost five wickets in the span of five runs and 13 deliveries as Fahima and Rumana bagged three and two wickets, respectively.

Sidra Ameen had kept the hopes alive for the losing side till the 48th over as the opening batter struck a century before she was run-out for 104 off 140 balls.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 234 for seven after being sent in to bat first. Opener Sharmin Akter ensured a solid start, scoring 44 runs, before Fargana Hoque and skipper Nigar stitched a 96-run stand for the third wicket. The latter had departed on 46 but Fargana went on and top-scored with 71 off 114 balls, featuring five boundaries, to aid her side in posting a winning total in the end.