United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh women’s cricket team maintained a flawless record in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing their seventh consecutive victory by defeating the Netherlands by 7 wickets in their final match at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Sunday. Having already booked their ticket to the main event in England, the Tigresses capped off a dominant campaign with a seven out of seven win streak. Chasing a modest target of 103, Bangladesh faced an early scare as both openers, Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, were dismissed with just 6 runs on the board. However, Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings, first steadying the ship with a 42-run stand with Sharmin Akhter (13). Read More: Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” After Sharmin’s dismissal, Nigar combined with in-form batter Sobhana Mostary to seal the game with an unbeaten 57-run partnership off just 37 balls. Nigar remained not out on 50 off 44 deliveries, striking seven boundaries to register her 10th T20I half-century. Sobhana provided aggressive support, finishing unbeaten on 33 off 23 balls with five fours and a six, as Bangladesh reached 105 for 3 with 20 balls to spare. Earlier, opting to bat, the Netherlands crumbled under the pressure of the Bangladeshi spin attack. Nahida Akter wreaked havoc, claiming 3 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs, reducing the Dutch side to a precarious 23 for 5. A spirited 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Robine Rijke (39) and Sania Khurana (43*) saved the Netherlands from total humiliation, dragging them to 102 for 6. However, the total proved insufficient against the confident Bangladeshi lineup. Both Bangladesh and the Netherlands, along with Ireland, have qualified for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in England this June. Read More: Marufa’s fiery burst puts her in cricket’s spotlight