Bangladesh celebrated a historic moment in Sharjah, clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory in 10 years with a hard-fought 16-run win over Scotland.
PC: Getty
After captain Nigar Sultana Joty elected to bat, Bangladesh’s openers Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun showed early intent but were soon stifled by Scotland’s disciplined bowling. Khatun, looking to up the scoring rate, was dismissed for 12 by Kathryn Bryce, leaving Bangladesh at a delicate point.
Sobhana Mostary (36 off 39) took charge, forming a crucial partnership with Rani (29 off 32) to rebuild the innings. Aggressive shots from Rani and some miscommunication in running led to her dismissal and a run-out of Taj Nehar for 0. Nigar Sultana added 18 runs, but Scotland’s bowlers, led by Saskia Horley’s impressive 3/13, kept Bangladesh under constant pressure. Despite this, a late cameo by Fahima Khatun (10* off 5) boosted Bangladesh to a competitive 119/7.
Scotland’s chase never gained full momentum. While Sarah Bryce anchored one end with a gritty 49* from 52 balls, her teammates struggled against Bangladesh’s slow and tactical bowling attack. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and Ritu Moni’s standout spell of 2/15 in 4 overs proved crucial in tightening the grip on the Scottish batters. Though Scotland stayed in the hunt, they lacked the impetus to chase down the total, ultimately finishing short.
Both teams were plagued by fielding errors, with several dropped catches, but Bangladesh’s sharper effort in the field helped seal the win, especially the catch taken by Fahima Khatun. Ritu Moni’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Following the tense match, fans on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) were quick to praise Bangladesh’s breakthrough win. Ritu Moni’s bowling heroics and Fahima Khatun’s crucial catch were widely celebrated, while fans also acknowledged Saskia Horley’s bowling effort and Sarah Bryce’s composed innings for Scotland.
Here are some (X) reactions:
Ritu Moni’s performance was incredible—definitely deserving of that POTM award!
— Amarab 🌞 (@Amarab72) October 3, 2024
🇧🇩 Well done Bangladesh!
Looked close with 61 required off the last 9, but Ritu Moni and spinners were great. Didn’t give Scotland any pace to work with, knew their batters would be looking leg side, fielders were placed accordingly and held their nerve 👏 #T20WorldCup https://t.co/AiRVoXhzY7
— Jay Dansinghani 🏏 (@JayDansinghani) October 3, 2024
Fahima Khatun celebrate stunning catch of Carter …#BanvsSco#T20WorldCup2024 #Bangladesh#Scotland pic.twitter.com/ARPjed5IKi
— Шурик Александр (@Mubin145) October 3, 2024
a decade long wait to fetch their first T20 WC win and it has finally happened
“whatever it takes” said nigar sultana pic.twitter.com/B2lcN3efdz
— s (@_sectumsempra18) October 3, 2024
Saskia Horley with some superb death bowling
3/13 bowling the 18th and 20th overs & getting the key wickets of Nigar Sultana and Shorna Akter
Terrific World Cup debut for the Scotland youngster#T20WorldCup
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) October 3, 2024
Really wish Sarah Bryce could get her 50
But what a good game to start off the tournament, I can’t wait for the other matches 🤩
— Sai (@Sai_2302) October 3, 2024
Saskia Horley, when she was part of the series called “Undercover Coach” on Disney Channel in Australia. As someone who used to play cricket and football, naturally, her coach was Ellyse Perry.
Career best figures for Horley today at #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/HnVRLcgIbP
— Kalyani Mangale (@MangaleKalyani) October 3, 2024
Scotland spinners were good. But Bangladesh spinners were too good to get their first win in the #T20WorldCup. Nice way to celebrate their captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s 100th T20I appearance in the format.
— Niharika Raina (@niharika_raina) October 3, 2024