Bangladesh miss out on Asian Games bronze after loss to Pakistan

Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team missed out on an Asian Games bronze medal after suffering a 31-run defeat to Pakistan in the third-place playoff in Nagoya on Tuesday (September 22).

Pakistan, sent in to bat after losing the toss, posted 145-8 in their 20 overs at Karogi Sports Park. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with a brisk 45 off 30 balls, while Gull Feroza made 31, Aliya Riaz 22 and Shawal Zulfiqar 17.

Nahida Akter, Sorna Akter and Ritu Moni claimed two wickets apiece for Bangladesh.

Chasing 146, Bangladesh stumbled early and were reduced to 20-3. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akter Supta then rebuilt the innings with a 47-run fourth-wicket stand, but the mounting required run rate forced Bangladesh into increasingly risky shots.

Joty fell for 25 off 30 balls while attempting a big shot, leaving Bangladesh further under pressure. Sharmin fought on with an unbeaten 46 off 45 balls, but lacked support as the innings finished at 114-7 after 20 overs.

The defeat ended Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a medal in women’s cricket, leaving the team without a podium finish at the Games.