Dreams of women's Tri-nation finals dashed

Dhaka, Feb 14 (worldsport7.blogspot.com) – Bangladesh's dreams of making it to the Women's Cricket Tri-Nation Series final were dashed on Saturday when the hosts conceded a massive nine-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their last group match. Pakistan, who had earlier beaten Bangladesh, became group runners-up to set the final clash against group champions Sri Lanka. The final will take place on Feb. 17 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh, who raised their final hopes after thrashing Sri Lanka by six wickets on Friday, miserably failed to live up to their performance against Pakistan at Birsreshthha Shaheed Motiur Rahman Stadium in Khulna. They were skittled out for a paltry 94 all out in 34.4 overs after being asked to bat first. Ayesha Akter and captain Salma Khatun were only two batswomen to touch the double digits in the face of some tight bowling from Nadia (3/23) and Sania Khan (2/12), who together grabbed five wickets. Ayesha topscored with 21, followed by Salma with 18. In reply, Pakistan reached 96 for one in 20.1 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 41-run knock from opener Bismah Mahroof. Quanita chipped in with 24 runs.