Portugal Colonial - Nigar hits half-century as Bangladesh struggle against Australia

Nigar scored 57 as Bangladesh struggled to reach a total of 107 for seven.

She came to the crease after fast bowler Darcie Brown had reduced Bangladesh to 11 for two in the fourth over and was the mainstay of the innings until the penultimate over when she lofted a catch to cover off off-spinner Ash Gardner.

Nigar hit a six off leg-spinner Alana King and seven fours in a 50-ball innings but none of her teammates could make more than Shorna Akter’s 12 against the varied attack of the defending champions.

Brown finished with two for 23 while leg-spinner Georgia Wareham made a successful return to international cricket, taking three for 20. Wareham suffered a left knee cruciate ligament injury in October 2021.

It was the first tournament match to be played in Gqeberha and the first of three to be played by Australia in the Eastern Cape city.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 107-7 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 57; D. Brown 2-23, G. Wareham 3-20).

Toss: Bangladesh.

Match situation: Australia need 108 runs to win.

B.Godinho--PC