Women Asia Cup: Bowlers' dominance leads Pakistan to consecutive triumphs

SYLHET: Pakistani bowlers put up another solid show to help their team register back-to-back victories to start the Women's Asia Cup on a strong note. 

After deciding to bowl first against Bangladesh, Pakistan were set with an aim to restrict opponents to a minimum total. Bowlers fulfilled the task and got their spells right on the target to put Bangladesh under pressure as they scored 70-8 in 20 overs. 

Opening pacer Diana Baig took just an over to pick up her first wicket. Bangladesh's opener Shamima Sultana had no chance to read a perfect good length delivery. 

Sadia Iqbal followed the footsteps of Diana to pick up another wicket in no while. In the absence of their regular pacer Fatima Sana, Pakistan was taken up by another experienced pacer Diana who picked up her second wicket to dent Bangladesh to 3-3 within five overs. 

Under pressure, Bangladesh was lifted up by captain Nigar Sultana with a defensive effort but Pakistani bowlers had their dominance continued throughout. Sultana made 17 runs before reliable Nida Dar picked her up in the 14th over. 

Bangladesh were already struggling to score runs with their wickets kept on falling after regular intervals. 

Salma Khatun top-scored with her cameo of 24 which was slow-paced innings off 29 balls including two boundaries. 

Diana and Nida bagged two wickets each whereas Sadia and Omaima Sohail shared a wicket apiece. 

In reply, Pakistani openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen scored 49 runs together in 7.3 overs. Muneeba fell after scoring 14 runs but Sidra continued her form and kept ticking the scoreboard. 

Sidra and captain Bismah Maroof scored 22 runs together as Pakistan wrapped up a nine-wicket victory to top the points table. 

Sidra remained not out for 35-ball 36 whereas Bismah scored 12 off 20. 

The only wicket from Bangladesh was taken by Salma. 

Pakistan will now take on Thailand in their third match on October 6. 

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