U-19 Tigresses beat Pakistan to reach final

Bangladesh Under-19 women’s cricket team booked their place in the tri-nation series final after defeating hosts Pakistan by 32 runs at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Sunday.

After being put into bat, Bangladesh accumulated 136-5 in 20 overs, thanks largely to Sadia Islam’s blistering knock of 44 from 28 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and two sixes.

Shirina Khatun chipped in with 32 off 40 balls, while Nishita Akter Nishi struck 20 from 20 deliveries. Sadia Akter provided a late boost, smashing an unbeaten-looking quickfire 14 off just seven balls to give Bangladesh a challenging total.

Pakistan struggled to keep pace during their chase as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained pressure and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Opener Ravail Farhan was the standout batter for the hosts, scoring 36 from 26 balls, but she received little support from the rest of the lineup.

Aqsa managed 23 off 32 deliveries, while Rozina Akram contributed 13 from 16 balls. Pakistan could muster only 104-9 by the end of their 20 overs.

Farjana Easmin spearheaded Bangladesh’s bowling effort with three wickets. Nishita Akter Nishi claimed two, while Afrin Mim, Aparna Das Tithi and Jannatul Ferdousi chipped in with one wicket each.

The victory took Bangladesh to the top of the standings with six points, securing their place in the title decider against Sri Lanka.