Shorna Akter starred with bat and ball as Bangladesh Women beat Papua New Guinea Women by 30 runs on Monday in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier group-stage match at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Put in to bat, Bangladesh posted an imposing 168 for 5 on a good surface, before a disciplined bowling display led by Shorna restricted Papua New Guinea to 138 for 9 in reply.
Bangladesh’s innings was built on steady progress through the early overs and a decisive surge at the death. Dilara Akter set the tempo with a fluent 35 from 29 balls, while Juiariya Ferdous added early impetus with 17 off 11 during the powerplay.
The middle overs brought a brief slowdown, but the innings was transformed late on by Shorna’s explosive cameo. She struck 37 from just 14 balls, clearing the boundary with ease and scoring at a strike rate above 260 to turn a competitive total into a daunting one.
Sobhana Mostary played the stabilising role at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 34 from 24 deliveries to ensure Bangladesh closed the innings strongly. For Papua New Guinea, Dika Lohia and Mairi Tom picked up a wicket each, though both found it difficult to stem the flow of runs at the death.
Chasing 169, Papua New Guinea showed resilience without ever fully seizing momentum. Brenda Tau top-scored with 35 from 32 balls, while Sibona Jimmy made 28 and Hollan Doriga struck a brisk 21 from 13 to briefly lift the scoring rate.
The decisive moment came with the introduction of Shorna into the attack. Her single over proved pivotal, conceding just one run and taking a wicket to finish with remarkable figures of 1 for 6. Any lingering hopes of a late charge were extinguished.
Bangladesh’s supporting bowlers maintained tight control throughout. Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun delivered economical spells, while sharp fielding resulted in two crucial run-outs as pressure mounted on the chasing side.
Papua New Guinea eventually closed on 138 for 9, falling short despite pockets of resistance.
Shorna was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution, combining a blistering 37 off 14 balls with an ice-cold bowling spell that tilted the contest firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.
