Dilara, Shathi power Tigresses to emphatic win over Zimbabwe

Bangladesh produced a commanding all-round performance to beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, chasing down a target of 132 with 15 balls to spare in their Group B encounter on Friday.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dilara Akter led the chase with an unbeaten 68 off 49 balls, striking eight boundaries, while Shathi Rani provided valuable support with 45 from 43 deliveries as Bangladesh reached 132 for one in 17.3 overs.

The opening pair laid the foundation for a comfortable victory, putting together 104 runs before Shathi was dismissed in the 13th over.

Her innings included six fours. Dilara remained at the crease to guide Bangladesh home, with Sharmin Akhter unbeaten on six.

Earlier, Zimbabwe managed 131 for seven after being sent in to bat. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored with 40 off 30 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while captain Josephine Nkomo contributed 35 from 29 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.

The pair attempted to rebuild Zimbabwe's innings after Bangladesh made an early breakthrough, but the visitors struggled to accelerate consistently.

Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was Bangladesh's most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 26 runs in four overs. Disha Biswas also impressed with two wickets for just 13 runs, while Ritu Moni took one wicket.

Bangladesh's disciplined bowling restricted Zimbabwe to a modest total before their batters completed the chase with little difficulty.
The nine-wicket victory gave Bangladesh an encouraging result in their Emerging Nations Trophy campaign, with both their bowling attack and top-order batting delivering when required.