Nahida, Javeria, bowlers give Pakistan 2-0 lead in series

Pakistan have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in their series against Bangladesh. After the first match was abandoned, Pakistan won the next two to ensure a series win. In this match, Pakistan, having restricted Bangladesh to 81-8, registered a comfortable seven-wicket win over their opponents.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening partnership of 20 runs between Shamima Sultana (10 off 21) and Ayesha Rahman (8 off 18) was the highest of the hosts' innings. The Pakistani bowlers made regular breakthroughs as Bangladesh lost wickets frequently. Nigar Sultana top-scored with her patient 29-ball-19, while Rumana Ahmed (12 off 9) was the only other batter to reach double figures. The hosts' finished their innings on 81-8 from their allotted 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar finished with identical figures of 2-16 each, from their four overs. Anam Amin and Aiman Anwer also chipped in with a wicket apiece. The team was active in the field as well, executing two run outs.

Chasing, openers Nahida Khan and Ayesha Zafar got their team off to a good start with their 32 run partnership, before Zafar fell for a run-a-ball 13. Player of the Match N. Khan (33 off 40) together with captain Javeria Khan (31* off 37) scored the bulk of their teams runs, ensuring they won by a comfortable seven-wicket margin, with 11 balls to spare.

Rumana Ahmed and Fatima Khatun took a wicket each for Bangladesh, finishing with figures of 1-10 and 1-15 each.

The series win is a good sign for the Pakistani team, showing their resilience and how they bounced back from their defeat. For Bangladesh however, the result will be worrying, especially with the World Twenty-20 around the corner. After winning the Asia Cup then the ICC World Twenty-20 Global Qualifiers, Bangladesh will be disappointed with their performance and will no doubt be looking to regain some winning momentum by winning the last Twenty-20 of the series, before the focus shifts to the only ODI.