England Women Begin T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign with a 21-Run Victory Over Bangladesh Women
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| England Women Started their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a 21-run win over Bangladesh Women. / Getty |
England Women kicked off their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a comfortable 21-run win over Bangladesh Women in a low-scoring encounter.
In a match that saw England defend their lowest total in T20 World Cup history, the team’s disciplined bowling performance stood out on a tricky, slow surface at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After winning the toss, England captain Heather Knight opted to bat first. Openers Maia Bouchier and Danielle Wyatt gave the side a strong start, with a 48-run partnership in the powerplay.
Bouchier was the first to fall, dismissed for 23 by Rabeya Khan. Wyatt top-scored with a gritty 41 off 35 balls, but the Bangladesh bowlers, led by Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Ritu Moni, pegged England back with regular wickets. Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh's captain, expertly rotated her bowlers, restricting England to a modest 118/7 in their 20 overs.
Akter, Khatun, and Moni claimed two wickets each, making the target appear within Bangladesh’s reach.
In response, Bangladesh Women struggled against England's formidable bowling attack, particularly their spinners.
Openers Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun were unable to build any momentum, and the pressure mounted as the required run rate climbed. Nigar Sultana Joty, their captain, along with Sobhana Mostary, tried to steady the innings with a 35-run partnership for the third wicket, but their hopes were dashed by a moment of brilliance from Linsey Smith in the field, with Amy Jones’ quick glovework running out Nigar for 15.
From there, Bangladesh’s batting order crumbled, and they lost wickets regularly. The slow pitch proved difficult for the batters, and they were unable to keep up with the rising run rate. England's spinners dominated the second innings, with Linsey Smith (2/11) and Charlie Dean (2/22) taking two wickets each.
In total, 16 of the 20 overs were bowled by spin, suffocating Bangladesh’s chase and leading to their defeat.
Bangladesh ended their innings at 97/8, falling 21 runs short of the target, as England celebrated a successful start to their T20 World Cup campaign.
Wyatt’s innings and the disciplined spin bowling were key to England’s win, showcasing their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Bangladesh, despite a strong effort with the ball, will be looking to improve their batting in the upcoming matches.
England Women will now look to build on this win in their next group game, while Bangladesh Women will aim to bounce back as they seek their first victory of the tournament.
Match Summary:
- England Women: 118/7 in 20 overs (Danielle Wyatt 41, Nahida Akter 2/32, Fahima Khatun 2/18)
- Bangladesh Women: 97/8 in 20 overs (Linsey Smith 2/11, Charlie Dean 2/22)
- England Women won by 21 runs.