Tigresses suffer eight-wicket defeat against Pakistan

Bangladesh made a disappointing start to their ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy campaign, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their opening Group B match at the Karwan Sports Club Ground in Ajman on Thursday.

A lack of substantial partnerships proved costly as Bangladesh managed only 108 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan, in reply, reached 112 for two in just 15.5 overs, completing a comfortable victory with 25 balls to spare.

Captain Nigar Sultana was Bangladesh's leading scorer with 27 off 20 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six. Shorna Akter contributed an unbeaten 21 from 20 balls, while opener Shathi Rani made 11. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to provide the support needed to post a competitive total.

Pakistan's Tuba Hassan led the bowling effort with three wickets for 26 runs, while Nashra Sandhu claimed two for 13. Their disciplined spells prevented Bangladesh from building momentum, particularly through the middle overs.

Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals, slipping to 66 for six before Shorna and the lower order attempted to revive the innings. Disha Biswas remained unbeaten on four as the Tigers finished with a modest total.

Pakistan's chase was largely untroubled. Sadaf Shamas top-scored with 37 off 37 balls, while Muneeba Ali remained unbeaten on 31 from 34 deliveries. Ayesha Zafar added an unbeaten 27 off just 18 balls to take Pakistan comfortably across the finish line.

Shorna and Sobhana Mostary took a wicket each for Bangladesh, but the bowling attack could not put sufficient pressure on the opposition.

The defeat highlights Bangladesh's need for greater batting consistency as they look to recover in the remaining group-stage fixtures. They will face Zimbabwe next on November 13 before taking on the Netherlands and Thailand.