Bangladesh defeats Pakistan by 23 runs at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Southampton. Read the full match report on Shorna Akter’s rescue act and spin collapse.
Introduction:
An exceptional bowling display in the second half of the match turned the tables in Southampton. The Bangladesh women’s national cricket team pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind 23-run victory over rivals Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Playing under clear skies at the Utilita Bowl, the crucial Group 1 encounter completely changed direction after the opening ten overs of the run chase.
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The heavy defeat spells complete heartbreak for the Pakistan camp. Having suffered three consecutive losses in the competition following earlier defeats against India and South Africa, Fatima Sana’s squad is officially the first team eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, a spirited Bangladesh team keeps their semi-final qualification dreams very much alive.
Shorna Akter’s Explosive Cameo Rescues the Tigresses
After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a tricky, dual-paced surface, Bangladesh endured a nightmare start to their innings. Pakistan’s young captain Fatima Sana led from the front with the ball, striking twice in her very first over. She removed opening batter Dilara Akter for five before trapping Sharmin Akter leg-before-wicket for a duck. When Tasmia Rubab dismissed Juairiya Ferdous shortly after, the Tigresses were left reeling at a dangerous 13 for 3 within the first five overs.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana stepped up to lead the recovery mission. Sultana anchored the middle overs beautifully, grinding out a vital 36 off 38 deliveries with five crisp boundaries. She shared an important partnership with Sobhana Mostary, who chipped in with a useful 22 runs.
However, the real turning point of the first innings arrived late down the order. Walking out to the middle with her team in deep trouble, young all-rounder Shorna Akter unleashed a breathtaking counter-attack. Akter smashed an unbeaten 39 runs off just 22 balls, punishing the Pakistani death-bowling variations with five stylish boundaries. Her late aggression completely shifted the momentum, guiding Bangladesh from a below-par score to a highly competitive total of 123 for 6. Fatima Sana finished as the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with excellent figures of 2-18.
Bangladesh Spin Assault Triggers Unprecedented Batting Collapse
Chasing 124 for victory, Pakistan looked completely in control during the initial phase of their reply. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza took advantage of the hard new ball, navigating the powerplay overs with composure. Together, the duo forged a steady 49-run opening partnership, giving Pakistan a fantastic platform. Feroza hit 23 off 18 balls before she fell, while Muneeba scored a solid 25 off 30 deliveries. At 64 for 2 after ten overs, Pakistan required exactly 60 runs from the final 60 balls with eight wickets securely in hand.
What followed next was an absolute batting catastrophe engineered by the relentless Bangladesh spin trio. Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla and veteran bowler Nahida Akter suffocated the scoring options, completely denying the batters any room to swing. The pressure boiled over in the 12th over when Meghla struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Ayesha Zafar for 11 and sending veteran all-rounder Aliya Riaz back to the pavilion for a duck.
Pakistan went completely boundary-less for the final 12 overs of the match. Unable to clear the infield, the middle and lower order fell like a house of cards. Nahida Akter tore through the tail to finish with magnificent figures of 3-18, while Sanjida Akter Meghla matched her brilliance with 3-21. Pakistan’s innings stalled completely at 100 for 8 as the final whistle blew, sealing a famous victory for the ecstatic Tigresses.
