Pakistan cruise past Bangladesh after Tuba sparks collapse

Pakistan cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, chasing down their modest target with 25 balls to spare.

Leg-spinner Tuba Hassan led the way with three for 26 as Bangladesh struggled to 108 for nine from their 20 overs, before Pakistan eased to the win in the 16th over.

Bangladesh lost both openers with just 21 on the board before Nigar Sultana attempted to revive the innings with a brisk 27 from 20 balls, including two fours and a six. However, her dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh slumped from 62 for three to 68 for seven.

Tuba removed Sharmin Akhter, Nigar and Ritu Moni, while Nashra Sundhu returned excellent figures of two for 13 from four overs, including a maiden. Shorna Akter provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 21, helping Bangladesh reach three figures.

Pakistan's reply began positively as Shawaal Zulfiqar smashed four boundaries in a rapid 16 from just six balls. Sadaf Shamas maintained the momentum, striking four fours and a six in her run-a-ball 37 before falling with the score on 68.

Captain Muneeba Ali then took control, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 31 from 34 balls. She found an aggressive partner in Ayesha Zafar, who struck four boundaries in a quickfire unbeaten 27 from 18 deliveries.

Their unbroken third-wicket stand of 44 sealed a comfortable victory, with Pakistan's disciplined bowling and powerful batting proving far too strong for their rivals.