SHARJAH: Bangladesh started their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 16-run victory over Scotland in sweltering conditions in Sharjah on Thursday. The win marks Bangladesh’s first in a T20 World Cup in a decade.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum on a sluggish pitch, finishing their innings at a modest 119 for 7.
Sobhana Mostary emerged as the standout performer with the bat, scoring 36 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup faltered against a disciplined Scottish bowling attack.
In reply, Scotland faced significant challenges, primarily due to the heat and their own batting inconsistencies. Although Sarah Bryce managed to score a resilient 49 not out off 52 balls, her teammates struggled to find their rhythm, leading to a final total of 103 for 7.
Bangladesh’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, with Ritu Moni being named Player of the Match for her impressive bowling figures of 2 for 15 from four overs.
“It was a tough match for both sides, especially with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius,” noted Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it means a lot to us. The team kept believing in ourselves, and our good spin attack made a difference.”
The match was characterized by cautious batting, with only 15 boundaries hit and no sixes to excite the sparse crowd. Joty, who played her 100th T20 International, acknowledged the difficulties on the pitch but expressed pride in her team’s resilience.
Scotland’s skipper, Katheryn Bryce, reflected on her team’s performance, recognizing that lapses in the field, including three dropped catches, proved costly. “We were a little bit sloppy in the field,” she admitted. “Nerves played a part, but it was good to see the team put up a fight.”