Pakistan Women
DHAKA: Pakistan women’s team secured a five-wicket victory against their Bangladeshi counterparts in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The win marked Pakistan women’s seventh triumph in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 out of 13 matches.
In this match, wicket-keeper/batter Najiha Alvi made her ODI debut, becoming the 91st female cricketer to represent Pakistan. Chasing a modest target of 82, Pakistan faced a challenge as they lost four wickets for 42 runs in 14 overs.
However, Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz built a crucial 28-run partnership, with Nida remaining unbeaten on 35 from 59 deliveries, including three boundaries.
Bangladesh had earlier struggled while batting first, with fast bowler Diana Baig and left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal keeping the batters in check. Sadia Iqbal claimed the first four wickets, leaving Bangladesh at 25-4 in 13.3 overs.
Nida Dar, the opposing captain, also contributed with her off-spin bowling, taking three wickets, while fellow off-spinner Umm-e-Hani grabbed three wickets as well. Sadia Iqbal had a career-best performance with figures of 9-2-13-4.
Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 81 in 31.5 overs, marking their lowest ODI total against Pakistan and their fifth-lowest in ODIs overall. Nida Dar was named the player of the match for her outstanding all-round performance.
The second ODI of the three-match series is scheduled to be played at the same venue on November 7.
Summary of the scores:
BANGLADESH WOMEN 81 in 31.5 overs (Fahima Khatun 18, Ritu Moni 14, Nigar Sultana 13; Sadia Iqbal 4-13, Nida Dar 3-10, Umm-e-Hani 3-20); PAKISTAN WOMEN 85-5 in 24.5 overs (Nida Dar 35 not out, Aliya Riaz 16; Nahida Akter 3-30, Fahima Khatun 1-15).
