MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Defenders of the title England was on the verge of being knocked out of the Women’s Cricket World Cup on Monday, while Pakistan campaign disintegrated after Bangladesh won the one-day tournament for the first time.
In Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, England lost their third straight defeat of the tournament when South Africa held on for a nail-biting three-wicket victory.
Heather Knight, England’s captain, said she was “gutted” following another heartbreaking defeat, conceding the odds were stacked against the 2017 champions making the playoffs.
“It’s not through lack of effort, I guess we shot ourselves in the foot at times in the field,” she said.
“We’re going to have to turn things around and keep believing there’s a small chance we can go through.”
With three consecutive victories, South Africa has emerged as the tournament’s dark horse, trailing just Australia in the standings.
England had half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, but South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp grabbed five for 45 to restrict them to 235-9.
South Africa were set up to hunt down the mark with four balls to spare thanks to Laura Wolvaardt’s 77.
After a shocking late collapse against tournament newcomers Bangladesh in Hamilton, Pakistan is at the bottom of the rankings with four losses and is nearly set to be eliminated.
Pakistan appeared to be on their way to triumph, thanks to Sidra Ameen’s maiden century, but they lost by nine runs after losing six wickets for 26 runs.
“It’s very hard to digest, we were in the game but some poor shots from the middle order cost us the game,” captain Bismah Maroof said.
Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh’s captain, hailed her team’s never-say-die attitude.
“I cannot describe this in words because it’s our first-ever win in a World Cup and this is history that we’ve made today here,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to carrying this momentum through the tournament.”
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pakistan’s tactics backfired when Fargana Hoque inspired Bangladesh to a 234-7 total, their highest in one-day international cricket.
Hoque scored 71 runs, forming a 96-run partnership with Sultana, who scored 46 runs, while Sharmin Akhter chipped in with a well-hit 44.
With 3-41, Nashra Sandhu was the best of the Pakistani bowlers, including two wickets in two balls, one of which was the dangerous Hoque.
Ameen and Nahida Khan, Pakistan’s openers, went all out to chase down the 235-run target, putting on a 91-run stand that ended when Khan was bowled by Rumana Ahmed.
Ameen persisted, and Pakistan appeared to be on the verge of victory in the 42nd over, requiring 52 runs from 48 balls and with eight wickets in hand.
The hitters, however, lost their wickets, with three going for first-ball ducks as spinner Fahima Khatun produced a fascinating performance on her tournament debut to capture 3-38.
Any chance of a Pakistan victory was dashed when Ameen was dismissed for 104 in the 48th over.
