Bangladesh has pulled off its first win at a Women's Cricket World Cup, with Pakistan falling nine runs short in a thrilling run chase in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Pakistan appeared headed towards a comfortable victory when it was 2-183 in the 42nd over, having been set 235 by Bangladesh.
But a stunning batting collapse saw Pakistan lose five wickets for as many runs, before eventually making 9-225 from its 50 overs.
"I can't describe this in words because this is our first-ever win in a World Cup and this is history we've made today," Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said.
Pakistan was seemingly well placed to surpass Bangladesh's total of 7-234.
But Bangladeshi leg-spinner Fahima Khatun, playing her first match at the tournament, sparked Pakistan's collapse with three of the five wickets.
Khatun claimed the wicket of Omaima Sohail for 10. She also removed Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana — both trapped LBW for first-ball ducks — to eventually finish with the figures of 3-38.
The only highlight of Pakistan's innings was Sidra Ameen's 104, which was the first century scored by a Pakistani batter at a Women's World Cup.
"I wasn't nervous because I'm always ready to play for my team," said Khatun, who was named player of the match.
"It was a very sporty wicket and if bowlers bowled in the right area then they would be successful."
Pakistan made a surprising decision to bowl when it won the toss, bucking the overwhelming trend of the tournament that has seen most teams choosing to chase.
A 96-run partnership between Fargana Hoque and Sultana for the third wicket set up Bangladesh's innings.
Hoque made 71 from 115 deliveries in a cautious innings of steady accumulation. Sultana made 46 from 64 balls.
Bangladesh was 3-175 in the 40th over but added only 59 runs in the last 10, partly because of tight bowling by Nashra Sandhu, who took 3-41.
"It's a hard loss to digest," Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said.
"Sidra will be disappointed. She was playing really well and will be disappointed she didn't finish the game.
"We were in the game, we should have chased it down but the poor shot selection cost us."
Pakistan has slipped to last place in the eight-team group stage with no wins from four matches.
Bangladesh now has one win from three starts in New Zealand.
AP/ABC
