Bangladesh crush Scotland to stay unbeaten in World Cup qualifier

Bangladesh women stayed unbeaten in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier with a crushing 90-run win over Scotland on Friday as captain Nigar Sultana led from the front with a rapid half-century.

Already assured of a place at this year’s World Cup, Bangladesh produced another dominant all-round performance at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

After winning the toss, openers Dilara Akter and Juyairia Ferdous gave Bangladesh a flying start with a 67-run stand. Dilara made 39 and Juyairia 22 before both fell in quick succession, while Sharmin Akter Supta was dismissed for 15.

Nigar then took control alongside Sobhana Mostary in a destructive fourth-wicket partnership of 100 runs. Nigar hit five fours and three sixes in her unbeaten 56 off 35 balls, while Mostary struck 47 from 23 deliveries as Bangladesh posted 191 for five — their joint second-highest total in women’s T20 internationals.

Bangladesh’s previous highest T20 score of 191 had come against Malaysia at the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup, while their overall record remains 255 against Maldives at the South Asian Games.

Scotland never threatened in reply after Marufa Akter struck with the first ball of the innings. Wickets tumbled regularly as the Scottish batting struggled against Bangladesh’s pace and spin.

Pippa Sproul top-scored with 27 from number eight, but Scotland were restricted to 101 for nine in their 20 overs.

Marufa finished with three wickets, while Sorna Akter claimed two as Bangladesh completed their sixth consecutive victory in the tournament.

Nigar was named player of the match.

NSA