Pakistan (PK-W) and Bangladesh (BD-W) will lock horns in the 12th match of the Women’s World Cup 2022 on Monday, March 14, at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Pakistan, captained by Bismah Maroof, have had a disastrous campaign thus far. Having lost all three of their matches, the Women in Green are placed at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -1.274. South Africa, led by Sune Luus, handed them a six-run defeat in their previous game.
Pakistan got off to a brilliant start as Fatima Sana and Diana Baig got rid of Lizelle Lee and Tazmin Brits cheaply. But a 89-run stand between Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Luus brought South Africa back into the contest. Both batters scored half-centuries and looked steady.
But leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima pinned both batters and Marizanne Kapp to put pressure on South Africa. From there on, Trisha Chetty and Chloe Tryon scored 31 runs each to help their team post a respectable score of 223 for nine on the board.
Pakistan looked steady in their run-chase, although the required rate kept climbing. While Nahida Khan scored 41, skipper Maroof bagged a golden duck. Omaima Sohail and Nida Dar tried to keep their team in the hunt by scoring gutsy half-centuries.
But with 10 runs needed off the last over, Pakistan stumbled. Shabnim Ismail, who won the Player of the Match award, bowled brilliantly and didn’t allow the Pakistan batters to take their team home.
Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, meanwhile, started with a spirited showing over South Africa, although they lost by 32 runs. Thereafter, they lost to Sophie Devine’s New Zealand in a rain-curtailed 27-over game.
After being put in to bat, Shamima Sultana and Fargana Hoque Pinky’s 59-run opening stand put Bangladesh in command.
Pinky scored a well-made 63-ball 52 with the help of one four. But the Tigresses lost wickets in the mid-overs and ended with 140 for eight.
The White Ferns tracked down the target in 20 overs riding on Suzie Bates’ unbeaten 68-ball 79. Amelia Kerr also made an unbeaten 37-ball 47.
Will Bangladesh Women (BD-W) beat Pakistan Women (PK-W)?
Pakistan have defeated Bangladesh in six out of 11 WODIs thus far. While Bangladesh have been dominant at home, Pakistan have won more games at neutral venues.
Both teams have strong bowling line-ups and the team batting first should have an advantage.
Prediction: The team batting first to win the match.
Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️