Bangladesh clinched their first victory at an Women's T20 World Cup since 2014, defeating debutants Scotland by 16 runs on October 3.
Bangladesh secures historic win at Women's T20 World Cup
Saskia Horley's late wickets proved crucial in stifling Bangladesh's momentum, who had been led by Sobhana Mostary's impressive 36-run knock, their highest international score. Chasing a target of 120, Scotland's batting struggled to establish consistent partnerships, with Sarah Bryce unable to capitalise on starts. Bangladesh's disciplined bowling and fielding ultimately sealed a historic triumph. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Bangladesh recorded their highest first-wicket score at an ICC Women's T20 World Cup, reaching 26 runs before losing their first wicket.
Scotland's bowling efforts in vain
Rachel Slater had the distinction of bowling Scotland's first ball at a World Cup, but it was captain Kathryn Bryce who claimed the first wicket, with Katherine Fraser taking the catch to dismiss Murshida Khatun for 12.
Slater's blushes were spared after dropping Murshida three balls earlier.
Sobhana Mostary, Bangladesh's opener, hit her second boundary with a lucky shot that was parried to the boundary. A drinks break under the hot Sharjah sun provided a welcome opportunity for Scotland to refocus. However, Shathi Rani, the other Bangladesh opener, emerged from the break with intent, hitting a fine four.
Fraser had the final say, dismissing Shathi for 29 from 32 balls, reducing Bangladesh to 68 for two with eight overs remaining.
Scotland continued to take wickets at regular intervals, halting Bangladesh's progress and preventing them from surpassing their highest World Cup score of 126.
After Sobhana Mostary's departure, Nigar Sultana Joty provided a steady presence for Bangladesh, scoring 18 runs from 18 balls before falling victim to Saskia Horley's bowling. Horley finished with impressive figures of 3 for 13.
In response to Bangladesh's target of 119, Scotland's innings began with a four from Rachel Slater off the fourth ball. However, Slater was soon stumped for eight.
The Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, started cautiously before Kathryn accelerated with two fours in three balls, keeping Scotland's hopes alive.
Despite some promising moments, Scotland's innings faced setbacks, with Kathryn being clean bowled by Marufa Akter and a 17-ball drought without a boundary.
Sarah Bryce and Priyanaz Chatterji formed a partnership, scoring 10 runs off Shorna Akter and six runs off the 12th over. Scotland reached 65 runs, just three runs behind Bangladesh's score at the same stage. However, disaster struck again when Chatterji was run out, and Darcey Carter's attempted six was caught acrobatically by Fahima Khatun, sealing Bangladesh's victory. Sarah Bryce dazzled with an unbeaten 49 but to only see Scotland going down to Bangladesh. Notably, Nahida Akter became the first Bangladesh woman to take 100 T20I wickets, as she scalped the last wicket to ensure Bangladesh's stunning win.
