Bangladesh women clinched their first ever victory in an ICC global event and ended their maiden World Twenty20 appearance on a high note by beating Sri Lanka by 3 runs in their exciting last Group B match at the Sylhet International Stadium yesterday.
When the men’s team ended their campaign without a single victory yesterday, the women’s team, who just set their feet in the international cricket arena, gave the nation a reason to cheer up with their maiden win over in the mega event.
After winning the toss for the first time in the tournament, the home side also made it past the triple figure for the first time to put up a decent total of 115 for 9 thanks to Rumana Ahmed’s career best 41. Bangladesh made count of the strong bowling unit at their disposal as Sri Lanka was restricted to 112 for 9.
The victory, however, did not change Bangladesh’s position in the group as they still finished bottom behind Sri Lanka and India. Despite having equal two points, the net run-rate put the home side behind their sub-continent opponents, thus ending all hopes for the Bangladesh women to qualify for the next edition of World Twenty20 scheduled to be held in India in 2016. They will now fight for the 9th place in the event against Ireland in a play-off tomorrow.
After a series of poor totals against West Indies (79), India (58) and Pakistan (72), the hosts batswomen finally geared up and sang in rhythm to register their highest total in the shortest version of cricket. The previous best was 113 which they made twice against India and Pakistan.
The start however wasn’t the best as Ayasha Rahman returned in the very first over before skipper Salma Khatun tormented the bowlers to give Bangladesh their best start in the tournament reaching fifty in nine overs.
After the dismissal of Salma (22) and Sharmin Akhter (18), Rumana Ahmed guided the side past 100 and stayed in the middle till the last over depending mostly on singles and doubles. The right-handed batter slammed a 34-ball 41 that included only three boundaries.
Birthday girl, Jahanara Alam gave Bangladesh the perfect start by dismissing Hasini Perera in her first delivery. Sri Lanka however was cruising with Yasoda Mendis (33) putting on two partnerships of 37 and 28 with Chamari Atapattu and Shashikala Siriwardene respectively.
Medium fast bowler Panna Ghosh brought Bangladesh back on track by picking up two quick wickets before dismissing Sri Lanka captain Siriwardene (31) to take control of the game despite several drops from the home fielders. Panna bagged three wickets for just 18 runs. Apart from the batting contribution Rumana also claimed a wicket which brought her the player of the match award.
