Bangladesh Women opened their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in confident fashion, defeating tournament debutants Netherlands Women by six wickets with five balls to spare at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Chasing 140 for victory, Bangladesh reached 141/4 in 19.1 overs after a brief middle-overs wobble, anchored by a match-winning half-century from Juairiya Ferdous. The win marked Bangladesh’s highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history and set a strong tone for their group-stage ambitions.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict the Netherlands to 139/8 in 20 overs. All five Bangladesh bowlers contributed with at least one wicket, reflecting a well-rounded effort. Marufa Akter led the attack with two key breakthroughs, while Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni also played vital supporting roles in keeping the Dutch batters in check.
Netherlands, playing their maiden World Cup match in any format, showed early nerves after opting to bat. They lost two wickets inside the first five overs and struggled to build momentum against Bangladesh’s tight line and length.
Captain Babette de Leede held the innings together with a composed 50 off 45 balls, guiding her side through a difficult phase. However, regular breakthroughs and tight fielding ensured the Dutch could not accelerate freely, despite a late cameo that pushed them to a competitive total.
In response, Bangladesh began shakily with dropped chances offering early lifelines to Juairiya. The opener capitalised emphatically, striking seven fours and two sixes in a fluent 50 off 33 balls. Her 67-run opening stand with Dilara Akter laid a solid foundation for the chase.
However, Netherlands briefly fought back through Caroline de Lange, who struck twice in two balls to remove Juairiya and skipper Nigar Sultana, while Silver Siegers added pressure with a crucial wicket. Bangladesh slipped from 67/1 to 85/4, raising tension in the chase.
The recovery came through Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter, who stitched together a calm and calculated partnership. Their unbeaten stand ensured Bangladesh stayed composed under pressure. Sharmin finished on 37 not out, while Shorna contributed a steady 18 not out, guiding the side to victory.
Juairiya was named Player of the Match for her decisive innings at the top, which set up Bangladesh’s successful start to the tournament.
