Bangladesh women's Under-19 team came agonisingly close to clinching a historical victory against mighty Australia but failed to hold their nerve in the crunch moment that saw them suffering a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat in the T20 World Cup at the UKM YSD Oval ground in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday.
Put into bat first, Bangladesh were restricted to 91-9, with Afia Ashima Era making the highest 29 while captain Sumaiya Akhter Suborna added 13.
Tegan Williamson and Caoimhe Bray picked up two wickets apiece for Australia. Australia eventually confirmed the victory with four balls to spare by reaching 92-8.
Ines McKeon smashed three boundaries in a row before being run out for 14. After her dismissal, Bangladesh seemed to take a stranglehold, but Lucy Hamilton, who made the team鈥檚 highest 30, resisted.聽
Australia, though, picked up regular boundaries thanks to Lucy, and Jannatul Maoua inflicted a collapse that saw them losing five wickets for 17 runs and making Bangladesh heavily favourite to win the game.
Bangladesh were on top but nerves of steel from Ella Briscoe and Tegan Williamson saw Australia squeak home with four balls to spare.
Jannatul, who brought Bangladesh close to a groundbreaking victory, ended with 3-15, while Habiba Islam Pinky grabbed 1-12.
Bangladesh, earlier in their first match, beat Nepal by five wickets. They will take on Scotland in their last match of the group phase on Wednesday.
