Bismah shines as Pakistan women beat Bangladesh in first ODI

KARACHI: Brilliant batting display by vice-captain Bismah Maroof helped Pakistan women team to defeat Bangladesh by 20 runs taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series here at the Southend Club Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a 215 run target set by Pakistan, Bangladeshi women were restricted to 194 for 9 in the allotted 50 overs.

Rumana Ahmed top-scored for her side with 70 in 97 deliveries.

Anam Amin was the pick of Pakistani bowlers, who took 3 wickets for 25 runs. Asmavia Iqbal, captain Sana Mir, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz and Bismah shared a wicket each to secure a comfortable victory for their side.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistani batters put up a great show with Bismah carrying on with her form from the shorter format and remained top-scorer for Pakistan. She hit eight fours in her 128 balls 92.

She was given the ‘player of the match award’.

Nain Abidi 27, opener Javeria Khan 21 and Nida Dar with same number of runs contributed to reach 214 all-out in 49.5 overs.

The two teams will play the last match of the series at the same venue on Tuesday, October 6.

Pakistani women have already won the Twenty20 series 2-0.