In their debut match of the ICC T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s women’s team defeated Scotland by a margin of 16 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), securing an unlikely triumph.
By doing this, the Tigresses achieved their only other triumph in the marquee event; their first triumph occurred when they hosted the tournament in 2014. This edition was hosted in Bangladesh as well before it was shifted to the UAE because of the political unrest. Bangladesh is still entitled to host, though.
With this match, captain Nigar Sultana Joty—the first player from Bangladesh to compete in a T20 International—reached a significant milestone by participating in her 100th T20 International.
Joty scored just 18 in this game but the victory was more important, she said immediate after the match.
“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Joty said. “We had in our minds that this is our moment. It means a lot”
Bangladesh chose to bat first and amassed 119-7, with Sobhana Mostary’s willow scoring the team’s highest score of 36. Opener Sathi Rani was the other notable scorer wi6th 29.
Later, despite opener Sarah Bryce’s heroic 49 not out, the bowlers bowled well together to restrict Scotland to 103-7.
Bangladesh’s innings began brightly with 26 added by Sathi Rani and Murshida, but the Tigresses lost wickets one after another, putting their chances in jeopardy.
While the wickets were falling, Mostary continued to move the scoreboard in his usual aggressive manner. In her 38-ball knock, she smashed two fours.
Ritu Moni played a vital role in bowling, claiming 2-15 in four overs. Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan picked up one wicket apiece.
“It was a decent wicket so I just wanted to bowl wicket-to-wicket and use my variations,” Ritu said after the match.
“We have put in a lot of hard work in the last year and we were really prepared. It is a great moment and a very proud moment for me and my team,” She said, adding that they bowled to their strength after assessing the condition.
On October 5, Bangladesh, who are aiming for a semifinal spot, will face England at the same location.
Then, on October 11 and 13, in Sharjah, they will play South Africa and the West Indies.
