Bangladesh Women clinched their first win in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since the 2016 edition of this tournament. In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener, they beat the tournament debutant Scotland Women by 16 runs. 

After Bangladesh Women chose to bat first at Sharjah, they scored 119/7 in 20 overs. In reply, Scotland Women scored 103/7 in 20 overs. 

Steady start for Bangladesh

Bangladesh Women scored 35/1 at the end of the powerplay. The opening partnership was for 26 runs between Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun before Kathryn Bryce dismissed Khatun for 12 runs. Sobhana Mostary and Rani started to build up a good partnership for the second wicket. 

Three fours between 7th and 16th overs; lost three wickets

Although Rani and Mostary settled a good partnership of 42 runs for the second wicket, they weren’t busy for the boundaries. Bangladesh Women managed only three boundaries in the next ten overs after the powerplay. Meanwhile, they lost three wickets, including Rani (29) and Mostary (32). 

Saskia Horley stunned in the final overs

Bangladesh Women scored 28/3 in the final four overs. Scottish off-spinner Saskia Horley started her spell in the 18th over, where she dismissed Shorna Akter (5) and Ritu Moni (5). In the final over of the match, she took the wicket of Nigar Sultana (18). Horley ended her only spell of the match with 2-0-13-3. The final overs were the key for Scotland Women to restrict Bangladesh Women for 119 runs.

Scotland Women 31/2 at powerplay

At the end of the powerplay, Scotland Women scored 31/2. Opener Saskia Horley (8) was dismissed by Fahima Khatun, while Marufa Akter bowled Kathryn Bryce (11) on the final ball of the powerplay. 

Desperate opener vs Bangladesh bowlers

Opener Sarah Bryce was fighting hard, but she hardly got support from the other end. Meanwhile, Bangladesh bowlers were dominating with the time progress as the required run rate was rising faster. 

Scotland's hope dried up just like their boundaries

Scotland batters lost their plots since the powerplay, which only became worse with time. After the 11th over, Scotland had no boundaries till the end of the match as all the Bangladesh bowlers controlled the game strongly. The opener Bryce scored 49 not out off 52 balls with only one boundary, as her attempt wasn't enough for the tournament debutant. 

Bangladesh right-arm medium bowler Ritu Moni won the Player of the Match award for her excellent bowling performance. In her 4-0-15-2 bowling figures, Moni delivered nine dot balls and didn't concede a single boundary in the match.