Bangladesh miss out on Bronze after 31-run loss to Pakistan

Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging a bronze medal ended in disappointment as they suffered a 31-run defeat to Pakistan in the bronze-medal playoff on Tuesday, finishing the tournament empty-handed.

Hopes of winning gold had ended against India on Monday, leaving the team targeting bronze. But Pakistan had other plans, posting 145-8 in 20 overs before restricting Bangladesh to 114-7.

Bangladesh had entered the contest with confidence, having beaten Pakistan in the bronze-medal match at the 2023 Asian Games. They had also won three of their next four meetings against Pakistan, including their most recent encounter at the Women’s World Cup.

However, those previous results counted for little on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan were led by captain Fatima Sana, who top-scored with a 30-ball 45. She was given an early reprieve when Dilar Akter dropped her off Sanjida Akter Meghla’s bowling when Sana was on just one.

Gul Feroza added 31 off 23 balls, while Aliya Riaz scored 25 off 22. Shawal Zulfiqar contributed 17 from 27 balls as Pakistan built a competitive total.

Nahida Akter, Sorna Akter and Ritu Moni claimed two wickets apiece for Bangladesh, while Meghla took one.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with three wickets falling inside the first four overs. Dilar Akter, Juwairia Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary departed in quick succession.

Captain Nigar Sultana made 25 off 30 balls before being dismissed, leaving Bangladesh further behind the required rate.

Sharmin Akter mounted a lone resistance, remaining unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls. But wickets continued to fall at the other end, with Sorna Akter, Ritu Moni and Rabeya Khan all dismissed as Bangladesh struggled to keep the chase alive.

Pakistan’s Umm-e-Hani was the standout bowler, taking three wickets and putting Bangladesh under pressure with an effective opening spell. Tasminya Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar took one wicket each.

Bangladesh eventually finished on 114-7, falling well short of Pakistan’s total and ending their medal hopes without a podium finish.