Tigresses share ODI series after maiden win in Pakistan

The Bangladesh women's team ended their tour of Pakistan on a high with a thrilling one-wicket win in the second and final ODI in Lahore today. The win, achieved with just one ball of the 50 overs remaining, gave the Tigresses a share of the two-match ODI series after losing the first match by 29 runs.

Bangladesh's first win against Pakistan in Pakistan was engineered by Fargana Hoque's 67 and a fine all-round show by skipper Rumana Ahmed, who backed up her three wickets with a crucial 31 to take Bangladesh to take Bangladesh close to the winning target of 211.

Tigresses' openers Sharmin Sultana got the chase off to a quick start with a 26-ball 27 in a 29-run opening stand with Murshida Khatun, but Pakistan struck back with a double blow with Diana Baig removing Sharmin in the seventh over and Sana Mir trapping Nigar Sultana leg-before in the next over.

Fargana came in and was involved in the first of two crucial partnerships – an 82-run third-wicket stand with Murshida before the latter was dismissed for 44 off 67 balls in the 26th over. Rumana came in and kept things steady with a 57-run fourth-wicket stand as the Tigresses moved towards their first win on the tour.

When the skipper was dismissed in the 39th, Bangladesh were cruising on 168 for four. But there was late drama in store and it was triggered by Fargana's wicket with the score on 187 in the 43rd over. At that point, the Tigresses needed 24 runs off 47 deliveries with five wickets in hand, but four wickets fell for the addition of just 16 runs. Two of those – Panna Ghosh and Fahima Khatun -- were run out as the tourists hit the panic button. Last batsman Nahida Akter walked in with Bangladesh on 205 for nine and needing six to win off the last nine balls.

They managed to do it in singles, with Jahanara Alam unbeaten on seven off 10 and Nahida scoring four off six.

Earlier, after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, they looked on course for a big score at 105 for two. But the Tigresses fought back with regular wickets halting the hosts' momentum. Rumana took three for 35 with her leg spin, while off-spinner Salma Khatun took two for 36. Pakistan were damaged most by their running, as four of their batters were run out as they were bowled out for 210 in 48.4 overs.

Opener Nahida Khan top-scored with 63.