Bangladesh Women kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 campaign in Mulpani with a strong performance, setting a solid tone for Group A. While the innings didn’t start with a bang, it quickly became evident that Bangladesh was ready to take on a spirited USA Women’s side.
Dilara Akter got things rolling with an explosive start, hitting four boundaries for an impressive 17 runs off just eight balls. Her aggressive play helped Bangladesh gain momentum before she was dismissed for 26 in the 3rd over, caught by Ella Claridge off Maahi Madhavan, who picked up two wickets in her spell.
Juairiya Ferdous then teamed up with Sharmin Akhter, contributing another 17 runs off 23 balls to stabilize the innings. However, USA continued to challenge, with Megha Vaghela removing Ferdous and later dismissing skipper Nigar Sultana for just 2 runs, leaving Bangladesh at 66/3.
From that point, everything changed as Sharmin Akhter took charge, scoring a brilliant 63 off 39 balls, featuring eight fours and a six in an innings filled with skill and timing. She formed an invaluable partnership with Sobhana Mostary, who matched her pace with a steady 32 off 29 balls, including a couple of boundaries and a six. Together, they pushed Bangladesh past 120, successfully attacking both spin and pace bowlers alike.
Sharmin’s innings came to an end at 148 in the 18th over, with Madhavan taking her third wicket in a commendable spell of 4–0–23–3. Despite USA mixing up their bowling options, Vaghela’s figures of 4–0–27–2 and Geetika Kodali’s 2–0–24–0 couldn’t contain Bangladesh, who closed the innings strongly. Shorna Akter (16* off 12) and Rabeya Khan (6* off 4) ensured a bright finish.
Chasing a target of 160, USA Women started off confidently, led by Disha Dhingra’s aggressive batting. She scored 23 runs off 22 balls, including three boundaries, but momentum shifted when Rabeya Khan struck in the seventh over. This dismissal proved crucial, particularly as Chetnya Pagydyala stepped in and scored 36 off 31 balls, reviving American hopes.
However, Bangladesh’s spinners took control, with Ritu Moni delivering a standout performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs. Her quick dismissals of Claridge and Vaghela reduced USA to 57/3 by the ninth over. Nahida Akter then tightened the screws even more with a remarkable spell of 4–0–24–4, featuring key wickets of Aditiba Chudasama (9), Ritu Singh (33 off 13), and Taranum Chopra (10).
Although Singh’s late blast of 33 runs came with four boundaries and two sixes, it wasn’t enough to save the innings. The regular loss of wickets saw USA collapse from 118/7 to 137/9 by the end of the match. Rabeya Khan contributed with 2 wickets for 34 runs, while Sobhana Mostary bowled brilliantly, giving away just 8 runs in her solitary over.
USA displayed commendable spirit and individual brilliance, but Bangladesh’s controlled spin and strong partnerships helped them secure a 21-run victory. This win marked a confident start to their qualification journey, highlighted by Sharmin Akhter’s exceptional performance that earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
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