1st T20I: Gritty Bismah leads Pakistan to 29-run win

Veteran’s 65 against Bangladesh is Pakistan’s highest T20I individual score

KARACHI: Bismah Maroof’s unbeaten half-century guided Pakistan women’s cricket team to a 29-run victory over Bangladesh in their first T20I of the two-match series at the Southend Club Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan quickly lost opener Marina Iqbal in the first over but posted a decent total of 124-5 as Bismah struck five boundaries in her 65-run knock off 57 balls to build an 87-run partnership with Javeria Khan, who struck 44 off 43 deliveries.

Bismah’s 65 is not only her personal best but also the highest individual score achieved by Pakistan in T20Is.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Nahida Akhtar took two wickets at the expense of 17 runs, while Jahanara Alam and Fahima Khatun bagged one each.

Chasing 125, Bangladesh were restricted to 95-7 in their 20 overs as Anam Amin picked up two scalps along with captain Sana Mir, Sumaiya Siddiqui, Maroof, Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz taking one wicket each.

Ayasha Rehman and Fargana Hoque scored 23 runs each for Bangladesh, while Rumana Ahmed added another 22.

Player-of-the-match Bismah was over the moon with her achievement. “It feels great to score a half-century in my first match on home soil in front of my family and my nation,” she told The Express Tribune. “I hope I keep up the same level of performance in the next match too.”

Winning captain Sana echoed Bismah’s words, adding that performing in front of the home crowd was a source of confidence for the team. “Although we did lack in all departments, the confidence the girls have gained is important for the times to come. This will help the team a lot in the next series against the West Indies.”

Sana hailed the crowd’s enthusiasm and called for a greater audience to watch the coming matches. “The crowd was fantastic, the school kids cheered for us,” she said. “I request more people to come watch us play and see the potential the girls have.”

She added that Nain Abidi was rested for the match as they want to give a chance to the youngsters before the World Twenty20 to formulate a balanced team.

On the other hand, Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun vowed to make a comeback. “We were unaware of the pitch condition, but now after playing the first match we have to change the game plan and perform better in the next match,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.