Shorna Akter starred with both bat and ball to help Bangladesh win the bronze medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on September 25, 2023.
Akter took 3/16 as Bangladesh restricted Pakistan to 69 in the third-place play-off. She then scored 14 unbeaten off 33 balls to help her team chase down the target in 18.2 overs.
Apart from Shorna’s three-wicket haul, Sanjida Akter claimed two wickets for 11 runs in four overs while Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter took one Pakistani wicket each.
Nashra Sandhu captured three Bangladesh wickets giving 10 runs while Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal shared one wicket each.
Akter’s all-round performance was praised by Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, who said: “Shorna was outstanding today. She took some key wickets with the ball and then played a very important innings with the bat. She is a very talented player and I am sure she will have a bright future ahead of her.”
Bangladesh’s bronze medal win is their first major international medal in women’s cricket. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and the coaching staff.
The team’s success is also a boost for women’s cricket in Bangladesh. It will inspire more girls to take up the sport and it will help to raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country.
