The BCB Under-15 boys’ team continued their unbeaten run in the Women’s Challenge Cup, defeating Bangladesh Women’s Green side for the second time – this time in dramatic fashion via a super over.
Batting first in the fifth match of the tournament at BKSP, the Under-15 boys posted 185 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Alif top-scored with 67, while all-rounder Afridi added a fluent 50. Pranab chipped in with 24 and Irfan made 20. For the women’s team, Nishita Nishi took two wickets, with Nahida Akter, Sultana Khatun and Rabeya Khan claiming one each.
Chasing 186, Women’s Green began brightly as openers Sharmin Supta and Farzana Hoque put on 27 before Farzana fell. Sharmin then added 56 for the second wicket with Rubaiya Haider Jhilik. Sharmin scored 36 and Jhilik 33, but their dismissals triggered a collapse, with Sobhana Mostary and Taj Nehar departing cheaply. Four wickets fell for just 12 runs under pressure from Sulaiman and Afridi.
Captain Nahida attempted to anchor the innings with support from Sworna Akter (21 off 29) and Farzana (14), steering her side close to the target. Nahida remained unbeaten on 26 from 59 balls, while Rabeya added 13. The Women’s Green team needed just five runs off the final over bowled by spinner Afridi Tariq.
Rabeya managed two runs off the first ball but was caught attempting a sweep three deliveries later. With three needed from three balls, new batter Sultana played a dot, then picked up two over extra cover, leaving a single required off the final delivery. The ball hit the bat, but no run was completed, leaving the scores tied.
In the super over, Women’s Green faltered badly. Sobhana was stumped advancing down the track off the very first ball, and Sworna was dismissed on the last, leaving only four runs on the board. The Under-15 boys needed just two balls to wrap up the win – Om nudged a single before captain Bayozeed Bostami smashed a six over the bowler’s head to seal victory.