Sports Desk:

Bangladesh Women beat Pakistan Women by 9 runs to pick up first win in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at Seddon Park, Hamilton in New Zealand on Monday.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl but the strategy backfired after Fargana Hoque inspired Bangladesh to 234-7, their highest one-day international total.

Hoque made 71, forging a 96-run partnership with Sultana, who finished on 46, while Sharmin Akhter contributed a well-hit 44.

Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 3-41, including two wickets in successive balls, one of which dismissed the dangerous Hoque.

Pakistan openers Ameen and Nahida Khan set about chasing the 235-run target with gusto, producing a 91-run partnership which ended when Khan was bowled by Rumana Ahmed.

Ameen ploughed on and seemingly had Pakistan on the brink of victory at 183-2 in the 42nd over, needing 52 runs from 48 balls with eight wickets in hand.

But disaster struck as the batters threw away their wickets, with three departing for first-ball ducks as spinner Fahima Khatun produced a mesmerising spell on her tournament debut to claim 3-38.

Any glimmer of hope for a Pakistan win ended when Ameen was run out for 104 in the 48th over.

Earlier, Bangladesh conceded defeat to South Africa and hosts New Zealand in the first two matches of the tournament.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 234-7 in 50 overs (F. Hoque 71, N. Sultana 46, S. Akhter 44; N. Sandhu 3-41)

Pakistan 225-9 in 50 overs (S. Ameen 104, N. Khan 43; F. Khatun 3-38)