Women's T20 World Cup 2024: England Women start with a hard-fought win against spirited Bangladesh

Inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup champions, England Women started their campaign in the ninth edition with a 21-run win against the tough Bangladesh Women. 

After choosing to bat first at Sharjah, England Women scored 118/7 in 20 overs. However, Bangladesh Women's batters failed to reply strongly as they were restricted to 97/7 in 20 overs. 

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English openers provided a solid start

England opening batters Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge set up a strong start as England Women scored 47/0 at the end of the powerplay. 

Bangladesh bowlers made a great comeback

After the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh made a great comeback by picking up regular wickets. Opener Maia Boucher scored 23 off 18 balls with three boundaries, while Wyatt-Hodge scored 41 off 40 balls with five fours. The next English batters failed to scare the Bangladesh side.

Incredible bowling continued in the final overs

England Women managed only one four and one six in the last four overs of the innings. They added only 27 runs in the final four overs. Apart from the openers, only Amy Jones (12*) reached the double-digit mark in that innings.

Bangladesh bowlers Nahida Akter (2/32), Fahima Khatun (2/18), and Ritu Moni (2/24) took two wickets each, while Rabeya Khan (1/15) picked up the other wicket.

A tough powerplay for Bangladesh

Bangladesh Women scored 20/2 at the end of the powerplay. Both the openers, Dilara Akter (7) and Shathi Rani (6) were dismissed in the single digits. 

Sobhana Mostary had no support

Sobhana Mostary fought bravely, but she hardly had any support in that low chase. She had a 35-run partnership with the skipper Nigar Sultana for the third wicket, but it wasn't enough as Sultana departed for 15 runs. Mostary was the other batter with a double-digit score in that innings, as her 44 off 48 balls only took them to closer the target.

Among the English bowlers, Linsey Smith (2/11) and Charlie Dean (2/22) took two wickets each. Also, Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/20) and Sarah Glenn (1/22) got one wicket each.