The Bangladesh Women's cricket team finally broke their World Cup jinx, securing their first win since 2014 by defeating Scotland by 16 runs in the opening match of the ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first but got off to a modest start with an opening partnership of 26 runs.
Murshida Khatun was dismissed after scoring 12 runs off 14 balls. Shathi Rani and Sobhana Mostary then steadied the innings with a 42-run partnership. However, both the batters struggled to accelerate, with Sobhana scoring 36 off 38 balls and Shathi adding 29 off 32, both at strike rates below 100.
Unfortunately, the middle and lower order failed to build on this foundation. Taj Nehar was dismissed for a duck, while both Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni managed just five runs each. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty, playing her 100th T20i match, contributed a run-a-ball 18. Fahima Khatun remained unbeaten on 10 from five balls and Rabeya Khan added one run to take Bangladesh to a total of 119 for seven.
For Scotland, Saskia Horley was the standout bowler claiming three wickets, while Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell and Kathryn Bryce took one wicket each.
Chasing 120, Scotland struggled from the start losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Saskia Horley managed just eight runs, with Kathryn Bryce (11), Ailsa Lister (11), Priyanaz Chatterji (5), Darcey Carter (2), Lorna Jack-Brown (9) and Katherine Fraser (2) all failing to make significant contributions.
Sarah Bryce stood firm to score an unbeaten 49 batting all through 20 overs, but despite her efforts, Scotland could only manage 103 for seven in their 20 overs. Abtaha Maqsood remained not out on two at the end.
Bangladesh's bowling unit performed collectively, with Ritu Moni taking two wickets as Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan each claimed one.
Ritu Moni of Bangladesh was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling spell.
The Tigresses will face England in their next match of the event on October 5, followed by matches against the West Indies on October 10 and South Africa on October 12.
