Pakistan playing for honour

Women’s team faces Australia after early tournament exit.

After a disappointing loss to South Africa last week and to New Zealand on Thursday in the Women’s World Twenty20, Pakistan will be looking forward to a consolation win against Australia today at the Sylhet Stadium.

Pakistan were looking forward to a win against New Zealand, but the Black Caps hardly flinched. They scored a commanding 167 as Suzie Bates scored an emphatic 94 against what looked like a dreadful bowling attack.

In reply, Pakistan could only achieve 108; the defeat causing an early exit from the World Twenty20. The humiliation after such an early exit will diminish the confidence the team projected going into the tournament, but a fighting comeback from Pakistan against the Aussies can help them regain some confidence.

Meanwhile, Australia are fired up after a 78-run victory over Ireland. Meg Lanning produced an overwhelming 126 off 65 balls, the second-highest in Twenty20 international cricket, to guide Australia as they prepare for Pakistan. The Aussies, along with New Zealand, are the favourites to progress to the semi-finals from Group A, with two and three wins respectively from three games each.

England defeat hosts Bangladesh

In a Group B match on Friday, England women’s team crushed Bangladesh by 79 runs, propelling them to the top of the table. Bangladesh are the first team to exit the tournament from Group B.

Charlotte Edwards scored an impressive 80-run knock against a Bangladesh bowling attack as England posted a first-innings total of 137. In reply, Bangladesh fell to the brilliant bowling attack of England, crumbling to a 57 for eight in their 20 overs.

England will look to cement their top spot in Group B against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2014.

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