Bangladesh women’s cricket team captain Jahanara Alam (L) celebrates the wicket of England batter Tammy Beaumont during their ICC World Twenty20 match in Bangalore on Thursday. — ICC photo
Bangladesh women’s cricket team showed some purpose and hope despite their 36-run loss to England in their second match of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in Bangalore on Thursday.
Bangladesh scored 117-6 after restricting their opponents for 153-7 to concede the game but their approach and body language was very positive that they lacked against India in their opening game.
Wicket keeper Nigar Sultana and Salma Khatun added 64 runs for the sixth wicket to give an example of their batting ability that had been questioned before the match.
Bangladesh made a horrendous start as they lost opener Sharmin Akhter for zero in the third ball and also her partner Ayasha Rahman (2) with the score on 14.
Despite 19-run each from Fargana Haque and Rumana Ahmed, Bangladesh were 46-4 in the 11th over and an England victory seemed a mere formality, but Nigar and Salma entertained the small crowd with some wonderful stroke play.
Salma, who scored an unbeaten 32 with four boundaries, was particularly impressive with her cover drives and flick shots while Sultana preferred the sweep shot and nudges behind point to keep the English fielders on their toes.
Sultana’s 35 from 28 balls with four fours and a straight six that she struck in the ball before she was stumped by wicket keeper Sarah Taylor off Anya Shrubsole.
The defiant young lady had to face severe pain apart from English bowlers as she was hit by a direct hit on her right leg at the start of the 17th over.
Earlier, England skipper Charlotte Edwards, who won the toss, scored 60 runs opening the batting and anchored the innings before she was out as the fifth batter with the team’s score on 127 in the 18th over.
Edwards, who is the highest run getter in Twenty20 internationals irrespective of men’s and women’s game, was adjudged player of the match for her innings that consisted seven boundaries.
She made a 47-run fourth wicker partnership with Natalie Sciver, who made 27 off 22 balls, to put her side in a commendable position after Bangladesh picked up two wickets in space of a run.
Danielle Wyatt scored 15 and Katherine Brunt scored a quick-fire 17 off just nine balls to add some late impetus in the innings.
Jahanara Alam was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers with her 3-32 while Salma, Khadijatul Kubra, Fahima Khatun and Rumana Ahmed grabbed one wickets apiece.
Brief Scores
England Women 153-7 in 20 overs (C Edwards 60, NR Sciver 27; Jahanara 3-32) v Bangladesh Women 117-6 in 20 overs (Nigar 35, Salma 32 not out; Shrubsole 2-27).
Result: England Women won by 36 runs.
Player of the match: Charlotte Edwards (England Women)
Source: New Age
