Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team concluded the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier as unbeaten champions, securing their seventh consecutive victory with a commanding performance against the Netherlands. The final match, held at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Nepal on Sunday morning, highlighted a brilliant all-round display, led by vice-captain Nahida Akter and captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Bangladesh immediately put pressure on the Dutch batting lineup. Nahida Akter spun her magic with left-arm orthodox deliveries, claiming three crucial wickets for just ten runs in her four-over spell, including one maiden over. Supporting her efforts, Marufa Akter, Sorna Akter, and Rabeya Khan chipped in with a wicket each, restricting the Netherlands to a modest total of 102/6 in 20 overs.
The Dutch innings had its moments of resistance, largely thanks to a 78-run partnership between Robin Rijk and Sania Khurana. Rijk top-scored with 39 runs, while Khurana remained unbeaten on 43 from 37 balls, striking six boundaries. Early setbacks saw the Netherlands lose five wickets for just 23 runs, threatening to derail their innings.
In response, Bangladesh faced initial challenges, losing two wickets in the first two overs. However, captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti and Sharmin Sultana Supta steadied the innings with a crucial 42-run third-wicket partnership. Supta fell before reaching fifty, but Jyoti and Sobhana Mostari then orchestrated a decisive unbroken 57-run stand, guiding Bangladesh to victory with 20 balls to spare. Jyoti notched her 11th T20 fifty, finishing unbeaten on exactly 50, while Sobhana contributed a vital 33 not out.
Sobhana Mostari emerged as the second-highest run-scorer of the qualifier, amassing 262 runs across seven matches at an impressive average of 52.40 and a strike rate of 145.55. With this win, Bangladesh not only claimed the final match but also remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, carrying seven consecutive victories into the main World Cup scheduled for June–July in England and Wales.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Bowlers (Overs-Runs-Wickets) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 102/6 (20 overs) | Robin Rijk 39, Sania Khurana 43* | Nahida 4-1-10-3, Marufa 4-0-14-1, Rabeya 4-0-26-1, Sorna 3-0-17-1, Ritu 4-0-18-0, Fahima 1-0-14-0 |
| Bangladesh | 105/3 (16.4 overs) | Nigar Jyoti 50*, Sobhana Mostari 33* | Iris 4-0-16-1, Heidar Sigars 3-0-9-1, Overdijk 3-0-16-0, D’Lange 3-0-26-0, Silver Sigars 2.4-0-20-0, Landhi 1-0-17-1 |
| Result | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
Bangladesh’s women’s team has now set a benchmark in the qualifiers, blending disciplined bowling with resilient batting to emerge as a formidable force ahead of the global stage.