Joty's 77 not enough as Bangladesh slump to second straight loss in tri-series

Bangladesh's disappointing start to the Scotland Women's T20I Tri-Series continued as they suffered an eight-run defeat to the Netherlands at the Grange Cricket Club Ground in Edinburgh on Sunday, their second successive loss after an eight-wicket defeat to Scotland.

Chasing 163 for victory, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty produced a blistering 51-ball 77, but her valiant effort went in vain as the Netherlands held their nerve to defend 18 runs in the final over.

After being sent in to bat, the Dutch got off to a solid start through openers Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer, who added 57 runs before Rabeya Khan broke the stand in the ninth over by dismissing Molkenboer for 29. Siegers struck 52 and shared a further 58-run partnership with Sterre Kalis before pacer Fariha Trishna removed both batters in the 16th over. A quickfire 18 off 10 balls from Robine Rijke lifted the Netherlands to 162 for five. Trishna finished with figures of 2 for 26, while Marufa Akter and Rabeya claimed a wicket each.

Bangladesh's chase began poorly as Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter departed early. Juairiya Ferdous made 22 off 24 balls before falling in the ninth over with the required rate climbing steadily. Joty then launched a spirited fightback from number four, keeping Bangladesh in the hunt deep into the chase.

With 41 needed from the final three overs, Ritu Moni chipped in with a brisk 17 off 12 balls, but the Tigresses lost three wickets in the last over. Joty's resistance finally ended on the fourth ball of the over when she holed out at long-on for 77, as Bangladesh finished eight runs short.

The victory was the Netherlands women's first over Bangladesh, having lost all three previous meetings between the sides.

Bangladesh will now take on Scotland on June 2 in search of their first win of the tournament.