By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau)
The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a magnificent victory. Nigar Sultana Joty’s side secured a 6-wicket win against the Netherlands in their tournament opener. Driven by a destructive half-century from Juyairia Ferdous and a mature, under-pressure partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter, the Tigresses reached their target with 5 balls to spare.
Dutch Post Modest Total Amid Marufa’s Early Striking
Earlier in the match, the Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat first. However, Bangladeshi pacer Marufa Akter dealt early blows to the Dutch batting lineup. Demonstrating excellent control with the new ball, she dismissed both openers- Phebe (11) and Robine (1) – in quick succession. The Netherlands managed 40 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the Powerplay.
Recovering from the early setbacks, Babette de Leede anchored the Dutch innings. Holding one end steady, she played a fighting knock of 50 off 45 balls, punctuated by 5 boundaries. On the back of de Leede’s half-century, the Netherlands posted a total of 139 for 8 in their allotted 20 hours.
Among the Bangladeshi bowlers, Marufa Akter claimed 2 wickets for 31 runs. Meanwhile, Ritu Moni bowled an exceptionally disciplined spell, conceding just 17 runs in her 4 overs while picking up a wicket. Fariha Trisna, Rabeya Khan, and Sanjida Akter chipped in with one wicket each.
Juyairia’s Tornado and the Dutch Fightback
Chasing a target of 140, Bangladesh got off to a flying start courtesy of openers Jakeria Ferdous and Dilara Akter. The Tigresses raced to 47 for no loss within the Powerplay.
Juyairia, in particular, was in a destructive mood. She smashed a fiery half-century off just 32 balls, laced with 7 fours and 2 sixes. Her 50-run opening stand off 40 balls with Dilara put Bangladesh firmly in the driver’s seat.
Scoreboard at a Glance:
• Netherlands: 139/8 (20 overs), Babette de Leede 50, Marufa 2/31, Ritu 1/17.
• Bangladesh: 140/4 (19.1 overs), Juyairia 50, Sharmin 37*, Shorna 18*; de Lange 2 wickets.
• Result: Bangladesh won by 6 wickets.
However, the Netherlands staged a dramatic comeback following the dismissals of Jakeria and Dilara. Dutch bowler Caroline de Lange turned the game on its head by dismissing skipper Nigar Sultana and another batter off consecutive deliveries, suddenly putting Bangladesh under immense pressure. Reduced to 101 for 4, the match hung beautifully in the balance.
Sharmin-Shorna’s Unbroken Stand Seals the Win
With 39 runs still needed for victory, Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter joined forces at the crease. Showing incredible maturity and composure under pressure, the duo steered the team toward the target. They forged an unbeaten 50-run partnership off 41 balls for the fifth wicket.
A dramatic moment occurred in the 17.4 over when the Netherlands opted for a review against Sharmin, but the decision remained unchanged, favoring Bangladesh. Sharmin remained unbeaten on 37*, while Shorna accompanied her with 18*, cruising Bangladesh to 140 for 4 in 19.1 overs.
A Boost of Confidence on the World Stage
A disciplined bowling display, explosive batting at the top by Juyairia, and a responsible middle-order partnership between Sharmin and Shorna- overall, it was a complete team performance by the Tigresses in their World Cup opener. This commanding victory will undoubtedly boost Bangladesh’s confidence significantly as the tournament progresses.
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The Writer:
Maksuda Lisa: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
