Tigresses make winning start in Women’s T20 WC Qualifiers

Sharmin Akhter’s half-century and a disciplined bowling performance earned Bangladesh a comfortable 21-run win over the USA in their opening Group B encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal today.

Sharmin struck 63 off just 39 balls -- her maiden half-century in Women’s T20Is -- with the help of eight fours and a six while Sobhana Mostary chipped in with a handy 32 off 29 balls as Bangladesh posted 159-5 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first.

USA pacers Maahi Madhavan and Isaani Vaghela picked up three and two wickets respectively.

In response, the USA were restricted to 137-9, with left-arm spinner Nahida Akter picking up 4-24 while Ritu Moni and Rabeya Khatun claimed three and two wickets respectively.

The USA had made a steady start to their chase, reaching 55-1 after nine overs.

Medium pacer Ritu then removed three batters in quick successions, including the well-set opener Chetna Pagyadyala, who made 36 off 31 balls, to reduce the USA to 68-4.

Late down the order, Ritu Singh also threatened to take the match away from the Tigresses, with a 13-ball 33 which included four fours and a couple of sixes, before the experienced Nahida sent her back to the pavilion in the 18th over as the seventh batter of the innings.

Nahida got Geetika Kodali stumped for a duck in her very next delivery, but couldn’t complete the hat-trick. Just two balls later, she struck again, removing Tarannum Copra, who made a run-a-ball 10, to finish her spell with four wickets.

Bangladesh will next face Papua New Guinea in Kirtipur on Tuesday.