Golda sets new sixes record with 264 strike rate

In a dazzling display of power-hitting, Swarna Akter smashed her way into the record books with a blistering performance against Papua New Guinea in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Nepal on Tuesday.

Walking to the crease in the 16th over, Swarna took her time initially, cautiously facing the first four balls. But with the fifth delivery, she unleashed a towering six, signalling the start of an explosive innings. Over the next eight balls, she struck three more sixes, finishing her knock with a staggering strike rate of 264.28, scoring 37 runs in just 14 balls. Her innings not only set a personal milestone but also contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s commanding total of 168 for five wickets.

Swarna’s performance marks a new benchmark in international T20I cricket for Bangladesh, surpassing the previous record of three sixes in an innings held jointly by Ayesha Rahman Shuktara, Sanjida Islam, and Nigar Sultana Jyoti.

Additionally, Swarna set the record for the highest strike rate in a Bangladesh innings of at least 25 runs. Previously, Fahima Khatun had scored an unbeaten 26 off 12 balls against Malaysia in 2019 at a strike rate of 216.66.

Bangladesh’s team performance was equally notable. Alongside Swarna’s four sixes, Sohana Mostari struck two, Dilara Akter added one, and Juairia Ferdous Jayita contributed another, giving Bangladesh a total of eight sixes in the match, breaking their previous record of four sixes in matches against England, Malaysia, and Ireland.

Key contributions from the top order ensured Bangladesh posted a competitive total:

Swarna Akter’s explosive innings was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s 168-run total, a score that propelled the team to a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea. Her ability to combine timing, power, and precision has set a new standard for Bangladesh women’s cricket, inspiring her teammates and fans alike.

With this record-breaking display, Swarna has not only rewritten the statistics but also cemented her reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most dangerous young all-rounders in T20 cricket.