MAKING their first appearance in the 50-over World Cup, Bangladesh took just three matches to register their first World Cup win. At the Seddon Park in Hamilton, Bangladesh stunned Pakistan to seal a thrilling nine-run win with Fargana Hoque making 71 and Fahima Khatun bagging three wickets in the game. Pakistan were set 234 and were cruising at one stage but collapsed to hand Bangladesh the victory.

Put in, Sharmin Akhter and Shamima Sultana helped the side begin briskly before Nida Dar dismissed the latter in the ninth over. Omaima Sohail bowled Akhter in the 19th over for 44 as Bangladesh were 79 for two at that stage. That’s when Hoque and Nigar Sultana collaborated for a stand of 96 to help the side build a solid platform for the last ten overs.

The Bangladesh captain – Sultana – fell with 61 deliveries left in the innings and that led to a wobble as Bangladesh went from being 179 for two to 213 for six with Hoque also falling in the 47th over. Nashra Sandhu’s consecutive wickets on consecutive balls meant Bangladesh were dented just when they were ready to launch.

In the chase, Sidra Ameen’s splendid century wasn’t enough for Pakistan to lose their second game on the trot. Pakistan openers – Nahida Khan and Ameen – made a solid start with a 91-run opening stand but Rumana Ahmed provided the team the breakthrough in the 24th over. Pakistan were 155 for one in the 38th over and going strong but soon found themselves tottering at 188 for seven as Bangladesh managed to induce some panic.

Jahanara Alam dismissed Maroof to start the collapse and the Pakistan captain was soon followed by Fahima Khatun (10), Nida Dar (0), Aliya Riaz (0), Fatima Sana (0) and Sidra Nawaz (one) all failed to get going. The wicket of Riaz and Sana came on consecutive deliveries as Khatun put Bangladesh ahead.

Losing partners from the other end, Ameen was eventually left with too much to do. Pakistan needed 25 off 18 but Ameen’s run out in the 48th over turned out to be fatal. They were left with 15 off six and eventually ran out of steam. (Cricbuzz)