Bangladesh's batting struggles lead to defeat against England in women's T20 World Cup
On a sluggish pitch that favoured spin, Bangladesh's bowlers put in a respectable effort, restricting a strong England side to 118 for seven. However, the batters were unable to capitalise, managing only 97 for seven in their 20 overs. This marked the lowest total successfully defended by England in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh's batting frailties were once again exposed as the Tigresses fell to a 21-run defeat against England in their second Group B match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Sharjah today.
On a sluggish pitch that favoured spin, Bangladesh's bowlers put in a respectable effort, restricting a strong England side to 118 for seven. However, the batters were unable to capitalise, managing only 97 for seven in their 20 overs. This marked the lowest total successfully defended by England in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.
The victory maintained England's unbeaten record against Bangladesh in T20 cricket, with the number two ranked side having now won all four of their encounters.
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Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh quickly found themselves in trouble, losing openers Shathi Rani (7 off 9) and Dilara Akter (6 off 12) within the Powerplay, leaving them at 17 for two after 4.1 overs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sobhana Mostary attempted to steady the innings with a 35-run partnership for the third wicket. However, the momentum was lost when Joty was run out for 15 from 20 balls in the 12th over.
Earlier, England had started brightly after opting to bat, with openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge putting together a 48-run stand. Rabeya Khan, who had earlier dropped Bouchier on 16, made amends by dismissing her for 23 in the seventh over, caught at mid-on.
Fahima Khatun then trapped Nat Sciver-Brunt lbw for 2, and Nahida Akter stumped Wyatt-Hodge in the 13th over as Bangladesh began to claw back into the game. Wyatt-Hodge, who was named player of the match, top-scored with 41 from 40 balls, including five boundaries.
Bangladesh's bowlers applied pressure by taking wickets at regular intervals, limiting England to just 31 runs in the final five overs while claiming three wickets. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was the most economical, while Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun each picked up two wickets.
Despite Bangladesh breaking their 16-match winless streak with a 16-run victory over Scotland in their opening match, their batting remains a concern. The Tigresses will face the West Indies on 10 October at the same venue.
