Having won their opener against Thailand, Pakistan succumbed to a seven-wicket loss against Bangladesh in their second Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup 2018 match in Malaysia on Monday, 4 June.

Put in, Pakistan were restricted to just 95/5, in itself largely thanks to Sana Mir’s 23-ball 21 late in the innings. Bangladesh chased down the target in 17.5 overs.

Pakistan got off to a decent start, with Nahida Khan (13) and Muneeba Ali (7) putting on 22 within five overs. But two quick wickets in the fifth over, sent down by Nahida Akter, the left-arm spinner, derailed them. Akter was the pick among the bowlers, ending with 2/23.

Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan put on a steady 28 thereafter, taking the total to the 50-run mark, but leg-spinner Fahima Khatun broke the stand in the 11th over with the scalp of Maroof (11). Khan fell in the next over after a 27-ball 18, Salma Khatun getting the big wicket, and when Kainat Imtiaz followed suit in the 14th over, Pakistan were 57/5.

Nida Dar and Mir then stayed clear of risks, and added 38 unbroken runs for the sixth wicket to boost the total closer to the 100-mark. It was far from sufficient.

With time to build, Bangladesh were assured in their chase, despite losing Ayasha Rahman and Fargana Hoque with just 25 on board. Shamima Sultana sealed up one end in a 33-ball 31, and Nigar Sultana offered company at the other.

Shamima fell to Dar in the 13th over, with 61 on board, but Fahima Khatun came in and powered a 19-ball 23*, even as Nigar steadily accumulated a 35-ball 31*.

Pakistan next play Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh take on India.