Bangladesh joins debutants Netherlands for a spot in the upcoming 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with an unbeaten Qualifiers run.
Led by skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, the Bangladesh women’s team has delivered a flawless campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal, securing their spot in the main 2026 event, hosted by England and Wales from 12th June to 5th July, with six points from three Super Sixes wins atop the points table.
Storming through without a single loss, they’ve now qualified alongside the Netherlands, the Dutch’s historic first appearance, while Scotland, Ireland, USA, and Thailand battle for the last two spots in the expanded 12-team tournament. Nigar Sultana Joty’s leadership has shone through dominant batting depths and ruthless bowling attacks, setting the tone from their group stage rampage to Super Sixes supremacy.
Bangladesh kicked off against the USA, inserted to bat first and posted 158/5 in 20 overs, powered by Sharmin Akhter’s explosive 63 off 39 balls (8 fours, 1 six). Their bowlers sealed a 21-run win, restricting USA to 137/9; Nahida Akter (4-0-24-4), Ritu Moni (4-0-24-3), and Rabeya Khan (4-0-34-2) dismantled the chase. Sharmin Akhter earned Player of the Match.
Toss woes continued in the second game versus Papua New Guinea, again batting first to reach 168/5 in 20 overs before bowling out PNG for 138/9, a 30-run victory. Shorna Akter dominated with 37 off 14 balls and 1-0-6-1 figures, claiming Player of the Match honours.
Namibia tested them for the third time, with skipper Sune Wittmann winning the toss and inserting Bangladesh, who ground out 144/7 in 20 overs. The reply crumbled spectacularly to 64 all out with 13 balls spare, an 80-run thrashing. Sanjida Akter Meghla (4-1-14-4), Rabeya Khan (4-1-5-3), and Fahima Khatun (3.5-0-12-3) starred, with Meghla grabbing Player of the Match.
Finally winning a toss against Ireland, Nigar opted to bat, hitting 153/7 in 20 overs, led by Sharmin Akhter’s 52 off 45 and Sobhana Mostary’s brisk 30 off 16. Bangladesh edged a thriller by 9 runs as Ireland reached 144/4 (Gaby Lewis 73 off 58), with Shorna Akter (2-0-17-2), Ritu Moni (4-0-18-0), and Marufa Akter (4-0-20-0) holding firm. Sharmin Akhter scooped another Player of the Match.
In Super Sixes, Thailand sent them in at Mulpani; early blows of Dilara Akter (first ball) and Sharmin Akhter fell, but keeper Juairiya Ferdous (56 off 45) and Sobhana Mostary (59 off 42) forged a 110-run third wicket stand to lift Bangladesh to 165/8. Marufa Akter (3/25), Ritu Moni, and Shorna Akter (2 wickets each) then skitted Thailand for a 39-run win, Mostary named Player of the Match.
With qualification locked, Bangladesh face Scotland (led by Kathryn Bryce) on January 30 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur (8:45 AM IST), then cap off their campaign against the Netherlands (led by Babette de Leede) on February 1 (same time). Nigar Sultana Joty’s Tigers have roared. Can they finish unbeaten? Who will board the flight to England and Wales for the upcoming 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, alongside the Netherlands and Bangladesh? Only time will unfold the answers.
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