With just 91 runs on the board, Bangladesh’s women nearly pulled off an incredible upset against Australia. Despite putting up a fierce fight, they narrowly lost by 2 wickets in their U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup ‘Group D’ match in Kuala Lumpur today.
After being sent in to bat first, Bangladesh managed only 91/9 in 20 overs. Chasing the modest target, Australia scraped through, reaching 92/8 with just 4 balls to spare.
Australia got off to a strong start, with openers Kate Pelle and Ines McKeown adding 26 runs in just three overs. McKeown’s quick-fire 14 off 9 balls, featuring 2 fours and a six, ended with a run-out, slowing Australia’s momentum. Though they still managed to reach 50 runs with just one wicket down, Jannatul Mawa’s dismissal of Pelle (16 off 18 balls) marked the start of a Bangladesh comeback.
Between 50 and 67, Australia lost five more wickets, reducing them to 67/6. Ella Briscoe, coming in at number seven, held her ground to keep Australia in the game. However, when they lost their eighth wicket at 86, the match was wide open.
With just 4 runs needed off the last two overs, Fahmida Chhoa bowled a tight over, leaving Australia level with Bangladesh. A direct hit from the mid-off fielder could have clinched a ninth wicket for Bangladesh, but it wasn’t to be. Australia eventually sealed the game in the final over, leaving Bangladesh heartbroken.
Earlier, batting first, Bangladesh struggled as only two players managed to reach double figures. Afia Asima top-scored with 29 off 34 balls, hitting 2 fours and a six before being run out. Opener Sumaiya Akter contributed 13 off 13.
Jannatul Mawa was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming 3/15 in her 4 overs.
Bangladesh’s final Group D match is against Scotland on Wednesday. They had won their opening match against Nepal by 5 wickets.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh: 91/9 in 20 overs (Afia 29, Sumaiya 13; Williamson 2/12, Brae 2/18)
- Australia: 92/8 in 19.2 overs (Hamilton 30, Pelle 16; Mawa 3/15, Habiba 1/12, Sobha 1/18)
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets.
