Bangladesh edge past Netherlands in Women's T20 World Cup opener
Bangladesh avoided an upset as they beat the Netherlands by six wickets in their first match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Edgbaston.
Bangladesh started their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought six-wicket victory over the Netherlands at Edgbaston. Set a target of 140, Bangladesh chased it down with five balls to spare, but not without a scare. The Dutch team, playing in their first Women's T20 World Cup, posted 139-8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to captain Babette de Leede who scored 50 off 45 balls. Heather Siegers contributed 16, while Sterre Kalis, the Yorkshire batter, was dismissed for just four by Rabeya Khan.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a flying start with a 67-run opening partnership between Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter Dola. However, a mini-collapse saw them slip to 85-4, bringing the Netherlands back into the game. The turning point came with a 56-run stand for the fifth wicket between Shorna Akter and Sharmin Akter Supta. Needing just three runs from the final over, Shorna hit a boundary off the first ball to seal the win. Sharmin remained unbeaten on 37.
Netherlands spinner Caroline de Lange, who gave up her job as a doctor to participate in the tournament, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-27, dismissing set batter Ferdous for 50 and Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty for a golden duck.
Both teams face tough challenges on Wednesday, with Bangladesh taking on Australia and the Netherlands facing India.
