Bangladesh Stage Stunning Comeback to Defeat Pakistan by 23 Runs in Women’s T20 World Cup Thriller

Southampton, June 2026 : Bangladesh produced a remarkable all-round performance to register a memorable 23-run victory over Pakistan in a crucial Group A encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Hampshire Bowl on Saturday. Led by impressive displays from left-arm spinners Sanjida Akter Meghla and Nahida Akter, Bangladesh recovered from difficult situations with both bat and ball to secure an important win and strengthen their position in the tournament.

After electing to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves under severe pressure early in the innings. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by captain Fatima Sana, reduced them to 48/4 by the 10th over. With wickets falling regularly and scoring opportunities limited, Bangladesh appeared headed for a below-par total.

However, skipper Nigar Sultana and Shorna Akter steadied the innings with a determined partnership that revived Bangladesh’s hopes. Nigar played a captain’s knock of 36 runs from 38 deliveries, striking five boundaries and guiding the middle order through a challenging phase. At the other end, Shorna Akter provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls, including five boundaries.

The pair ensured Bangladesh recovered from their precarious position and posted a competitive total of 123/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Shorna’s aggressive approach in the closing stages proved particularly valuable as she struck crucial runs in the final overs, including a 14-run penultimate over that lifted the team’s total beyond the 120-run mark.

Pakistan’s bowlers had dominated much of the innings. Fatima Sana led from the front with figures of 2/18, striking twice in her opening over to put Bangladesh on the back foot. She dismissed Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akhter in quick succession, while Tasmia Rubab removed Juairiya Ferdous as Bangladesh slumped to 23/3 inside the Power-play.

The fielding effort from Pakistan was equally impressive, helping maintain pressure throughout the innings. Yet Bangladesh’s resilience ensured they had a target to defend.

Pakistan began their chase confidently and appeared well on course for victory. Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali provided a solid start, adding valuable runs at the top of the order. Feroza scored 23 from 18 balls, while Muneeba contributed 25 from 30 deliveries.

At 41 without loss and later 58/1 at the halfway stage, Pakistan seemed firmly in control of the contest. With experienced batters at the crease and the required run rate under control, the chase looked straightforward.

But Bangladesh had other plans.

Captain Nigar Sultana marshalled her bowlers expertly and introduced her spin attack at the perfect moment. What followed was a dramatic collapse that completely changed the course of the match.

Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla struck crucial blows to derail Pakistan’s progress. She finished with outstanding figures of 3/21, removing key batters and triggering panic in the middle order. Fellow spinner Nahida Akter was equally effective, claiming 3/18 from her four overs and tightening the screws on the Pakistani batters.

Pakistan’s innings unravelled spectacularly as they lost six wickets for just 14 runs in a little over five overs. The batting lineup, which had looked comfortable earlier, struggled to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined spin bowling and mounting pressure.

Despite attempts by the lower order to revive the chase, Pakistan never recovered from the collapse. They eventually finished on 100/8 in their 20 overs, falling 23 runs short of the target.

The victory marked Bangladesh’s first-ever T20 World Cup win over Pakistan and extended their dominance over Fatima Sana’s side with a fourth consecutive victory across formats. The result also lifted Bangladesh to four points from two matches in Group A, significantly boosting their semifinal hopes.

For Pakistan, the defeat was another setback in a disappointing campaign. Having lost all three of their matches so far, their chances of advancing in the tournament now appear extremely slim.

Brief Scores:
Bangladesh 123/6 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 39 not out, Nigar Sultana 36; Fatima Sana 2/18)
Pakistan 100/8 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 25; Sanjida Akter Meghla 3/21, Nahida Akter 3/18)

Bangladesh won by 23 runs.