Lewas suffer six-run defeat to Bangladesh

THE Papua New Guinea Lewas lost their second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers going down by six runs to Bangladesh in a rain affected contest.
After early rain, the rescheduled fixture at Forthill was again affected by weather and reduced to 17-overs in the first innings.
The Lewas won the toss and elected to field with Ravina Oa (2-17) troubled the Bangladeshi openers with her movement.
PNG continued their probing lines to hand Natasha Ambo a wicket in the second over, Bangladesh’s Ayasha Rahman poking at a wide delivery to edge through to the keeper for four.
Oa later removed Nigar Sultana (6) through an edge finding the gloves of keeper Brenda Tau with a low diving catch.
Despite PNG’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding they could not keep Fahima Katunm (32 not out from 18 balls) from unleashing to get Bangladesh to 103/8 before the heavens opened up.
Chasing a revised target of 59 from eight overs, PNG made heavy work of the chase, albeit in difficult conditions.
With PNG needing 25 runs off the final 12 balls and Tanya Ruma and Tau at the crease Bangladesh’s bowling restricted the pair and in the end the target proved insurmountable.
Despite the loss Group A sides, PNG, Bangladesh and host Scotland are all still a chance to qualify for the finals as the competition heads into its third round of matches. – ICC
Result: Bangladesh 103/8 (F Khatun 32, S Islam 19; S Jimmy 3-10) PNG 52/5 (T Ruma 12; N Akter 3-10). Bangladesh won by 6 runs.