Off-spinner Sohely Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana Joty helped Bangladesh beat Scotland convincingly in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier encounter in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
It was a day to remember for Bangladesh sports fans as the country’s Women’s football team clinched their maiden SAFF Championship title by beating hosts Nepal in Kathmandu just hours before Nigar and Co dominated proceedings in their six-wicket win over Scotland at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The women cricketers even congratulated the Sabina Khatun-led football team on their SAFF triumph before playing Scotland.
Electing to bat first, Scotland suffered a batting collapse as they lost openers Ailsa Lister and Saskia Horley inside the Powerplay.
Sohely Akhtar removed Scotland’s skipper Kathryn Bryce soon after the Powerplay before removing Priyanaz Chatterji, wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce and Ellen Watson inside two overs to leave Scotland reeling at 40 for six in 12.4 overs. Sohely ended with figures of four for seven in her four overs that included a maiden.
Scotland lost another wicket in the following over and were left at 42 for seven and had it not been for a 29-run stand between Lorna Jack and Rachel Slater, they could have been bundled out much sooner and for a much smaller total than their 77 all out in 19.3 overs.
Chasing the paltry total, Bangladesh lost opener Shamima Sultana early. However, a solid 43-ball 34 from skipper Nigar ensured the Tigresses get over the line easily and increase their chances of finishing top of Group A in the qualifiers.
