Joty, Marufa star as Tigresses cruise past Scotland to extend winning streak

Bangladesh continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, registering their sixth successive victory with a comprehensive 90-run win over Scotland at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Friday.

Having already secured their World Cup berth with a win over Thailand on Wednesday, the Tigresses produced another commanding performance, posting 191 for five after being put in to bat.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who had struggled for form earlier in the tournament, led from the front with an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Bangladesh got off to a flying start as openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous added 67 runs in eight overs. Dilara fell for a 28-ball 39, while Juairiya departed in the ninth over after a run-a-ball 22.

Sharmin Akhter was then run out for 15 but Joty anchored the innings and found an ideal partner in Sobhana Mostary. Sobhana’s brisk 47 off 23 deliveries powered Bangladesh to a strong finish, with the pair adding 100 runs for the fourth wicket.

Defending a big total, Bangladesh struck early through Marufa Akter, who dismissed Darcey Carter with the first ball of the innings and then claimed two more wickets in the final over of the Powerplay to derail Scotland’s chase. Marufa finished with three for 25, while Shorna Akter picked up two wickets as Scotland were restricted to 101 for nine.