Bangladesh survive Dutch horror to start Women’s T20 World Cup with record chase

Bangladesh survived a huge scare against the Netherlands to start their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in style. On Sunday 14 June, the Tigers secured a six-wicket win at Edgbaston in Birmingham to complete their highest run in the history of the tournament after breaking the mark of 140 with five balls to spare.

In fact, it was the first time Bangladesh had won a Women’s T20 World Cup match while chasing, with all their previous three wins in the competition coming while defending totals. The chase is also Bangladesh’s third highest run-scoring run in Women’s T20 Internationals.

Bangladesh vs. Netherlands Women’s World Cup T20: Highlights | Scorecard

The Netherlands stunned Bangladesh in the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers earlier this year and again threatened to upset the Asian side. The Dutch pressed Bangladesh hard and kept the contest alive deep into the chase, but this time Nigar Sultan Jota’s troops held their nerve and crossed the finish line to start their campaign on a winning note.

DE LEEDE SHOULDERS NETHERLANDS

Netherlands displayed admirable batting discipline against Bangladesh, putting a competitive 139 for eight on the board. The Dutch side, led by captain Babette de Leede, made 50 off 45 balls, again showing why they have emerged as one of the strongest associate nations in women’s cricket. De Leede, who captained the Netherlands in qualifying for the global event, anchored the innings with five boundaries and held the batting unit together despite regular wickets.

After early contributions from Heather Siegers (16) and Phebe Molkenboer (11), Netherlands slumped to 76 for five. However, De Leede ensured that the innings did not unravel, guiding the side through the middle overs with a measured knock. However, the skipper could not celebrate his half-century for long as he ran out while attempting a risky second run.

Useful lower-order contributions from Frederique Overdijk (9), Iris Zwilling (13 not out) and Silver Siegers (10 not out) helped the Netherlands finish. The Dutch scored 40 runs in the last five overs, taking their total close to the 140-run mark on a surface that offered help to the bowlers.

For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 31 from her four overs. Preferred ahead of the experienced Nahida Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla along with Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni chipped in with a wicket each to keep the Dutch batsmen in check.

BANGLADESH KEEP YOUR NERVE UNDER PRESSURE

Bangladesh held their nerve in a tricky chase to come out on top against a spirited Dutch side. The chase was built on a stunning 50 off 33 balls from Juairiya Ferdous, who hit seven fours and two sixes to put the Dutch bowlers under pressure from the start. Alongside Dilara Akter (26), she helped Bangladesh race to 67 before the Netherlands fought back strongly.

Caroline de Lange sparked a comeback with a double strike, including the prized wicket of captain Nigar Sultana off the first ball as Bangladesh slumped to 85 for four. Suddenly the momentum shifted and the Dutch were back in the match.

The pressure has been increased by recent history. Having beaten Bangladesh earlier this year, the Netherlands arrived in Birmingham full of confidence and once again threatened to cause a major upset.

However, Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter showed remarkable poise when it mattered most. The pair stitched together an unbroken stand of 56 runs for the fifth wicket, cleverly rotating their strike and punishing loose deliveries.

Sharmin remained unbeaten on 37 off 32 balls while Shorna contributed a valuable 18 not out as Bangladesh avoided a potential upset. Their calm finish ensured the Tigresses began their World Cup campaign on a winning note despite a spirited challenge from the tournament debutants.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

14 Jun 2026 18:51 IST