Bangladesh creates history with Women's Cricket World Cup win over Pakistan

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.

«Now we're looking to carry this win through the tournament.»

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.

«I just bowled in the right areas, according to my plan and knew success would come.

»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