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Sharmin Akhter produced a calm and composed unbeaten 37 to steer Bangladesh to a six-wicket victory over tournament debutants Netherlands in their opening Group A match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston.

Bangladesh successfully chased down a target of 140 with five balls to spare, overcoming a mid-innings collapse that briefly threatened to derail their pursuit. After cruising to 67 without loss, the Tigresses suddenly found themselves at 85 for four before Sharmin and Shorna Akter combined to see the chase home.
Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous starred at the top of the order, scoring a sparkling 50 off 33 balls to propel her side toward a six-wicket victory. Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

The win gives Bangladesh a perfect start to their campaign ahead of a crucial clash with Australia, while the Netherlands will look to regroup before facing India.

Earlier, Netherlands captain Babette de Leede elected to bat after winning the toss and led from the front with a well-crafted half-century. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Dutch skipper anchored the innings with a composed 50.

The Netherlands made a brisk start through Phebe Molkenboer and Heather Siegers, but Bangladesh’s bowlers quickly tightened their grip. Marufa Akter struck twice, while Rabeya Khan celebrated her 50th T20I wicket when she bowled Sterre Kalis to leave the Dutch side under pressure.

De Leede absorbed the pressure and gradually accelerated, finding boundaries through the middle overs while guiding her team towards a competitive total. However, her innings ended immediately after reaching fifty when she was run out attempting a second run.

Late contributions from Iris Zwilling and Silver Siegers added valuable runs in the closing overs, helping the Netherlands post 139 for eight in their historic first appearance at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh responded aggressively with openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter putting together a commanding opening stand. Juairiya was particularly impressive, taking advantage of an early reprieve before unleashing a series of powerful strokes.

The right-hander reached her half-century from just 32 deliveries, striking two towering sixes and keeping the scoreboard moving at an excellent rate. However, her dismissal for 50 sparked a mini-collapse.

Caroline de Lange turned the game on its head by dismissing Juairiya and Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana in consecutive deliveries. Dilara Akter soon followed, while Sobhana Mostary was run out by a brilliant piece of fielding, leaving Bangladesh wobbling at 85 for four.

With the match finely balanced, Sharmin Akhter took control of the chase. Displaying maturity and patience, she rotated the strike effectively while Shorna Akter provided valuable support at the other end.

The pair gradually chipped away at the target before accelerating in the closing overs. Sharmin struck a crucial boundary off Heather Siegers to bring Bangladesh within touching distance, and Shorna sealed the victory in style by lofting the ball over mid-off.

Bangladesh crossed the finish line at 141 for four in 19.1 overs to claim a confidence-boosting six-wicket win.

Scores in Brief
Netherlands 139/8 (20 overs)
Babette de Leede 50, Heather Siegers 16
Marufa Akter 2/31, Ritu Moni 1/17

Bangladesh 141/4 (19.1 overs)
Juairiya Ferdous 50, Sharmin Akhter 37*
Caroline de Lange 2/27, Silver Siegers 1/24

Result: Bangladesh won by six wickets.