Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team continued their commanding march in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, recording a fifth consecutive victory to move to the brink of qualification for the 2026 tournament. A comprehensive 39-run win over Thailand at Mulpani, Nepal, underlined the side’s growing maturity, balance and confidence, as captain Nigar Sultana’s team tightened their grip on one of the coveted World Cup berths.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted an imposing 165 for 8 from their 20 overs, their fourth-highest team total in women’s T20 internationals. Thailand, chasing a challenging target on a surface that slowed as the match progressed, were restricted to 126 for 8, never truly threatening to overhaul the deficit.
The context of the victory makes it particularly significant. With five straight wins across the qualifier stages, Bangladesh now sit at the top of the Super Six standings. Should the Netherlands defeat the United States later in the day, Bangladesh’s qualification for the World Cup proper would be mathematically confirmed immediately. Even if that result does not go their way, Nigar Sultana’s side need only one point from their remaining two Super Six fixtures—or even a rain-abandoned match—to seal their place at the global event scheduled for June–July in England and Wales.
Bangladesh’s innings, however, did not begin smoothly. Opener Dilara Akter was dismissed off the very first ball for a golden duck, and fellow opener Sharmin Akter followed soon after, leaving the team under early pressure. The recovery was led superbly by Juwairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary, whose partnership of 110 runs from 82 balls transformed the innings. Their stand not only stabilised Bangladesh but shifted momentum decisively in their favour.
Juwairiya struck 56 from 45 deliveries, including four sixes—jointly the most ever hit by a Bangladeshi batter in a single women’s T20 innings. At the other end, Sobhana Mostary played with authority and composure, scoring 59 from 42 balls in a match-winning performance that earned her the Player of the Match award. A late cameo from Ritu Moni, who smashed 15 from just six balls, ensured Bangladesh finished with a total well beyond par.
Thailand’s reply was dented immediately when Marufa Akter dismissed the opener with the first ball of the innings. Although Thailand reached 61 for 1 after 10 overs, the required run rate continued to climb. Needing an improbable 75 runs from the final five overs, the chase effectively slipped away. Marufa led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 25, while Ritu Moni and Swarna Akter claimed two wickets apiece to close out a controlled and disciplined team performance.
Super Six Standings (Current Snapshot)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 3 | 3 | 6 | 1.150 |
| Scotland | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1.356 |
| Others | — | — | — | — |
With the top four teams in the Super Six qualifying for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s position appears increasingly secure. Another single point from their remaining fixtures would remove all doubt, but on current form, Nigar Sultana’s side look capable of finishing the qualifier in emphatic style.