Bangladesh Women Beat Scotland Women: Bangladesh Women have created history at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, as the side not only managed to win the opener against Scotland Women at the iconic Sharjah Stadium, but managed to end a 16-match winless streak in the history of their T20 World Cups by getting their first-ever win today.
Managing only 119/7 in their 20 overs on a difficult surface under extreme heat, Bangladesh Women did extremely well in their defence of the total, as Scotland Women looked clueless in front of Bangladeshi spinners and only Sarah Bryce managed to bat pretty well, as her unbeaten 49 off 52 went in vain, with Bangladesh Women registering a 16-run win.
Nahida Akkter had her share of history on Thursday as well, as she became the first-ever Bangladesh Women cricketer to scalp 100 T20I wickets. The 24-year-old has achieved the feat within 88 matches, as she continues to grow as a prominent figure in Asian cricket.
"It was a slow wicket. So, I tried to use my variations and bowl wicket-to-wicket. Last one year, we are working hard. We were well-prepared before this match. It is a really proud moment for me and my team. We just tried to back our strengths and bowl according to the conditions," said Ritu Moni, who was awarded the Player of the Match.
Here's What The Two Captains Said During Post Match Presentation Ceremony
Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh Women Captain):
"Yeah we have been waiting for this moment since a long time almost 10 years. So, we came here and prepared ourselves to win this game and start the tournament on a positive note. Massive moment for not just me but also for all the girls in the squad. Yeah it was a really hot weather, we wanted to exploit the powerplay, running between the wickets could have been better but we were confident to defend the target. Marufa was brilliant like she has been for us."
"Yeah I wanted to promote Taj Nehar because she was brilliant in the recent few games but unfortunately she got out early so I came out to bat. Hopefully we can do it because we are working really hard to win games. The girls have been brilliant and to see the smile on their face made me proud as well."
Kathryn Bryce (Scotland Women Captain):
"Yeah, definitely. It was always going to be tough in our first game. We have played brilliant cricket in the last few months and hopefully, it comes up going ahead in the competition. There was some buzz around and about handling the nerves in pressure situations. But it was great to go out there and have some time on the field."
"It was good to go out there and contribute to the team. I think we were a bit sloppy in the field. Couple of dropped catches and overthrows. It will cost us the games at this level. We had planned for Slats to come back but she didn't. Saskia was ready to bowl and I used her. Good to see her pick wickets in the end."