World Cup debut to remember for Fahima

Fahima Khatun lit up her ICC Women’s World Cup debut as her magical spell against Pakistan in Hamilton on Monday brought Bangladesh their first-ever win in World Cup history.

Bangladesh, who are playing their debut World Cup, did not have Fahima in the XI in their two defeats against South Africa and New Zealand. But she was brought in on Monday, and she became the instigator of a history-making event.

Chasing 235, Pakistan were cruising along as set batter Sidra Ameen was at the crease with Omaima Sohail in the 42nd over, with only 52 runs to get in the last 49 deliveries.

Fahima though had some other ideas. A tossed up delivery from her got the better of Sohail as she tried to attack shot, and Fargana Hoque took a good catch.

But Fahima broke Pakistan’s back in her next over. In consecutive deliveries, she trapped Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana LBW, sending both back for golden ducks.

After Riaz’s dismissal, Fahima broke into dance as it seemed like Bangladesh had got the upper hand, and truly, they did.

The leg-spinner also played a part in Sidra Nawaz’s run-out, and all of these accumulated into Fahima earning the player of the match award.

After the match, she said that she didn’t even know on Monday morning that she would be playing.

“I am always ready to play for the team when the need arises. In the morning, I didn’t know that I would be playing. But when the coach told me, I acted normally. I was a little bit disappointed when I couldn’t contribute with the bat. Then I thought I still had one more part - bowling and fielding, with which I can contribute. Praise to God that I could do that,” Fahima said in the post-match press conference.

The leg-spinner said she tried to bowl normally and believed that the wickets would come.

“When I came to bowl, my team had faith in me, and I was able to live up to the confidence. My plan was that I would bowl in the right areas, just bowl dot balls, and the wickets would come automatically,” she said.

Fahima also said they had a hunger to beat Pakistan.

“We always have a hunger for winning against Pakistan. So, we have tried our best. Winning against Pakistan always gives us a lot of encouragement. And we hope that we will be able to take it a long way,” she said.