Bangladesh Women Secure Historic First Win in T20 World Cups, Defeating Scotland by 16 Runs
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| Bangladesh's victory marks their first-ever T20 World Cup win away from home, setting a strong start to their 2024 campaign. / Getty |
The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team broke their winless streak in T20 World Cups in stunning fashion, clinching their first-ever victory in the tournament with a 16-run triumph over Scotland Women in the opening game of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This long-awaited win comes after 16 consecutive losses in the tournament, marking a monumental achievement for the Nigar Sultana-led side.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat first. Openers Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun gave their side a steady start, with Rani playing an aggressive knock of 29, swinging from the first ball. Sobhana Mostary anchored the middle overs with a well-crafted 36 off 38 balls, while Nigar Sultana, coming in at number five, struggled to find her rhythm. Bangladesh Women were restricted to 119/7 in their 20 overs, largely due to an impressive bowling performance from Scotland's Saskia Horley, who picked up 3/13.
Defending a modest target of 120, Bangladesh’s bowlers rose to the occasion. Scotland Women’s chase faltered early as they lost two key wickets in the powerplay, including their captain Kathryn Bryce on the last ball of the sixth over. Bangladesh’s bowlers kept up the pressure throughout the innings, with Ritu Moni being the standout performer, taking 2/15. Despite a valiant effort from Sarah Jennifer Bryce, who remained unbeaten on 49, Scotland fell short of their target, finishing at 103/7 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowling unit was superb, with Nahida Akter achieving a personal milestone by becoming the first Bangladesh Women’s player to claim 100 T20I wickets. Akter’s milestone added to the historic nature of the victory, as Bangladesh Women also secured their first-ever win away from home in a T20 World Cup.
Skipper Nigar Sultana expressed her pride in the team’s performance, saying, “It’s a special moment for Bangladesh cricket, and I’m proud of how the team performed under pressure.”
The win provides a strong start to Bangladesh Women’s campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, and they will look to build on this success in their upcoming matches. Scotland, though disappointed, can take heart from their fight and look to bounce back in their next encounter.
Key Performers:
- Sobhana Mostary (Bangladesh): 36 off 38
- Saskia Horley (Scotland): 3/13
- Ritu Moni (Bangladesh): 2/15
- Sarah Jennifer Bryce (Scotland): 49* (Not Out)