Bangladesh misses series win as Pakistan levels U-19 Women’s T20

A string of missed catches and poor fielding cost the Bangladesh Under-19 women’s cricket team a chance to seal the series. Pakistan seized the opportunity, winning the fourth T20 match by six wickets at the Cox’s Bazar International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Batting first, Bangladesh managed 126 runs in 20 overs. Pakistan chased the target steadily, reaching 127/4 in 18.1 overs, keeping the five-match series tied at 2-2. The final match on Friday, 12 December, now serves as a de facto series decider.

Pakistan’s openers raced to 33 runs off 17 balls before Habiba Islam Pinki removed Komal Khan (22 off 11) and Rawail Farhan (3 runs). Zareen Tasneem Labanya claimed a hat-trick of sorts, dismissing three more batters in quick succession. Despite Bangladesh creating early breakthroughs, fielding lapses proved costly.

In the 16th and 17th overs, Bangladesh missed multiple easy catches, allowing Iman Nafiz (42 off 47) and Faiza Fayyaz (52 off 35) to guide Pakistan to victory. Labanya finished with 3 wickets for 31 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings struggled after winning the toss. Openers Sumaiya Akhtar Suborna (20 off 21) and Sadia Nusrat (12 off 14) set a modest foundation. A middle-order partnership of 48 runs between Jannat Shukla (35 off 34) and Maymuna Nahar (24 off 33) helped reach 102 before wickets fell regularly. Rozina Akram and Memuna Khalid each claimed two wickets for Pakistan.

With the series now tied, all eyes will be on the final match to determine the winner.