The ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup began with an exhilarating match between Bangladesh and Scotland. As the host nation, Bangladesh launched their tournament journey on a high note, securing a victory against Scotland. The game showcased intense competition and set the tone for the exciting matches to come, highlighting Bangladesh’s determination to make a mark in the tournament. Fans were treated to a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship as both teams fought hard on the field.
Nigar Sultana Talked About the Match in Post Match:
Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana reflected on the match, emphasizing the collective effort that led to their victory. She highlighted how each player made significant contributions, showcasing teamwork and determination. Sultana expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting that starting the tournament with a win sets a positive tone for their campaign moving forward.
Nigar Sultana said, “ We have been waiting for this for a long time. This means a lot for us and everyone in the team. It was a kind of wicket where you need time to settle and Shathi and Mostary managed to do that. The conditions were pretty hot and we ran a lot of twos. We are trying to do something different, Tej came up and tried to hit some boundaries, but unfortunately she got out. We have the momentum, seeing the girls happy and smiling is the biggest inspiration for me.”
Nigar Sultana, who served as both captain and wicketkeeper, scored 18 runs from 18 balls in the match. Although she faced challenges, including one boundary and no sixes, her efforts showcased a steady batting performance with a strike rate of 100.00. Despite the difficulties, her leadership and presence on the field played a vital role in guiding her team through the game.
Match Summary:
Bangladesh celebrated a significant victory by ending a decade-long drought in the Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Scotland by 16 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Their last win in this tournament came in April 2014 when they beat Ireland by 17 runs. Since then, they faced a challenging stretch, losing 16 consecutive matches without securing a win in the 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 editions of the tournament.
Choosing to bat first in the sweltering heat, Bangladesh faced difficulties in reaching a total of 119 runs while losing seven wickets. Murishida Khatun received an early reprieve after being dropped by Olivia Bell but was dismissed shortly after by Kathryn Bryce. However, Sobhana Mostary and opener Shathi Rani managed to stabilize the innings, forming a crucial partnership of 42 runs for the second wicket, helping their team regain some momentum.
“It is always going to be tough” Scotland Women Captain Kathryn Bryce Reflects on Tough Loss in T20 World Cup Opener
Katherine Fraser broke the partnership by dismissing Rani, who scored 29 runs from 32 balls. Debutant Taj Nehar had a rough start, falling for a golden duck. Sobhana Mostary continued to battle until the 16th over, contributing 36 runs off 38 balls before being caught out by Bell, marking a turning point in the innings.
As Scotland pursued a modest target of 120, they found it challenging to gain momentum, failing to exert any real pressure on their opponents. Horley, who excelled with the ball, could not replicate her performance with the bat, falling to leg-spinner Fahima Khatun. Kathryn Bryce began her innings promisingly with a couple of boundaries but was soon dismissed by the impressive pace of Marufa Akter, who bowled a stunning delivery.
Despite the struggles of her teammates, Sarah Bryce, the leading run-scorer for Scotland in Women’s T20Is, remained steadfast, finishing unbeaten on 49 runs off 52 balls. Unfortunately, her efforts were not enough, as the team lacked support from others, and they struggled to score, unable to hit a boundary in the final nine overs.
Nahida Akter achieved a significant milestone by claiming her 100th T20I wicket when she dismissed Katherine Fraser. Ritu Moni delivered an exceptional performance, finishing with impressive figures of 2 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. Thanks to their efforts, Bangladesh successfully limited Scotland to 103 runs for 7 wickets, marking an ideal start to their campaign.
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