Women’s T20 World Cup, BAN vs NED: Bangladesh survive Netherlands scare to begin campaign with record chase

Bangladesh survived a huge scare against the Netherlands to begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in style. On Sunday, June 14, the Tigresses secured a six-wicket victory at Edgbaston in Birmingham, completing their highest successful run chase in the history of the tournament after overhauling a target of 140 with five balls to spare.

In fact, this was the first time Bangladesh won a match in the Women’s T20 World Cup while chasing, with all their previous three victories in the competition coming while defending totals. The chase also ranks as Bangladesh’s third-highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 Internationals.

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

The Netherlands had stunned Bangladesh in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier earlier this year and once again threatened to upset the Asian side. The Dutch pushed Bangladesh hard and kept the contest alive deep into the chase, but this time Nigar Sultana Joty’s troops held their nerve and crossed the finish line to kick off their campaign on a winning note.

DE LEEDE SHOULDERS NETHERLANDS

Netherlands showcased admirable batting discipline against Bangladesh, posting a competitive 139 for eight on the board. Led by captain Babette de Leede’s composed 50 off 45 balls, the Dutch side once again demonstrated why they have emerged as one of the strongest Associate nations in women’s cricket. De Leede, who captained the Netherlands to qualification 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), the Netherlands slipped to 76 for five. However, De Leede ensured the innings did not unravel, guiding the side through the middle overs with a measured knock. The skipper, though, could not celebrate her half-century for long as she was run 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 strongly. The Dutch scored 40 runs in the final five overs, pushing their total close to the 140-run mark on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers.

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

BANGLADESH HOLD NERVE UNDER PRESSURE

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

Caroline de Lange triggered the comeback with a double strike, including the prized wicket of captain Nigar Sultana for a first-ball duck, as Bangladesh slipped to 85 for four. Suddenly, the momentum had shifted and the Dutch were right back in the contest.

The pressure was heightened by recent history. Having beaten Bangladesh earlier this year, the Netherlands arrived in Birmingham full of confidence and once again threatened to pull off a major upset.

However, Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter showed remarkable composure when it mattered most. The pair stitched together an unbroken 56-run stand for the fifth wicket, rotating the strike smartly 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.

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