Desk News || Powered by a cameo from batter Swarna Akter and impressive spells from left-arm spinners Sanjida Akter Meghla and Nahida Akter, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in their third Group 1 match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The victory lifted the Tigresses to third place in the standings with four points from three matches, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.Pakistan, meanwhile, are still winless after three games and are on the brink of elimination. Australia lead the group with six points from three matches. After winning the toss in Southampton, England, Bangladesh opted to bat first but found themselves in trouble early, losing their third wicket for just 13 runs in the fifth over.Captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a 35-run partnership off 29 balls for the fourth wicket. Sobhana scored 22 off 19 balls, hitting three boundaries. Nigar then added 24 runs off 29 balls with Ritu Moni and a further 20 runs off 19 balls alongside Swarna Akter. Ritu managed seven runs, while Nigar struck five fours in her 38-ball 36 before departing.With Bangladesh on 92 runs, Swarna launched a late assault to guide her side to a competitive total. Bangladesh finished on 123/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Swarna remained unbeaten on 39 off 22 balls, hitting five boundaries, while Rabeya Khan stayed not out on four. Fatima Sana claimed two wickets for Pakistan.Chasing 124, Pakistan got off to a solid start with an opening stand of 49 runs from 45 balls. Nahida Akter broke the partnership in the eighth over, triggering a collapse.Nahida and Meghla then wreaked havoc with their spin, reducing Pakistan from 49 without loss to 84 for eight. The duo accounted for eight wickets for just 35 runs as Pakistan's batting line-up crumbled.Pakistan eventually finished on 100/8 in 20 overs, with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with 25 runs. Nahida Akter returned figures of 3 for 18, while Meghla claimed 3 for 21. Swarna Akter was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 39 off 22 balls.Bangladesh will face India in their fourth group-stage match on June 25.