Photo sourced from 'Bangladesh Cricket: The Tigers' Facebook page

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 20, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Women's Under-19 team came agonizingly close to clinch a historical victory against mighty Australia but failed to hold the nerve in the crunch moment that saw them suffering a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat in the T20 World Cup at UKM YSD Oval ground in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today.

Put into bat first, Bangladesh were restricted to 91-9 with Afia Ashima Era making 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 scored three boundaries in a row before being run out for 14. After her dismissal, Bangladesh seemed to take stranglehold, but Lucy Hamilton who made a team-high 30 resisted. 

Australia though picked up regular boundaries thanks to Lucy Hamilton, Jannatul Maoua inflicted a collapse, that saw them losing five wickets for 17 run 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.