Women’s T20 World Cup: Bangladesh defeat Scotland by 16 runs in opener

The hosting rights were stripped from Bangladesh in August because of uncertainty after nationwide protests toppled the government. The United Arab Emirates agreed on short notice to stage the ninth edition for the first time.

The Bangladesh team didn’t appear fazed to be 3,500 kilometers from home. It won the toss and made slow progress batting on a sluggish surface. Opener Shathi Rani scored 29 off 32 balls, hitting three fours, and put on 26 with Murshida Khatun (12).

Scotland’s bowlers toiled hard initially – Rani and Sobhana Mostary added 42 off 44 balls for the second wicket, the game’s highest partnership. Mostary top-scored with 36 off 38 balls, hitting two fours.

Then wickets came at regular intervals once Rani was out caught off Katherine Fraser. Scotland spinners picked up four wickets, setting the tone for what is expected to be a spin-dominant tournament.

Bangladesh collapsed from 68-1 to 97-5 across 27 deliveries, yet Nigar Sultana’s run-a-ball 18 pushed them past 100 and to a defendable target. Fahima Khatum scored a vital 10 not out off five balls.

Chasing 120 for a maiden win, Scotland was led by Sarah Bryce’s unbeaten 49 off 52 balls in her World Cup debut. The opener only hit one boundary but tried to hold the chase together.

Bangladesh spinners made it difficult to score. Surprisingly, medium pacer Ritu Moni was the pick of its bowlers — 2-15 in four overs – and three of the four spinners claimed one wicket.

Bryce didn’t have much support. Her older sister and captain Katherine Bryce scored 11. Only three Scots made it to double figures. In the second game of the day, Asia Cup champion Sri Lanka took on Pakistan at the same ground.