Bangladesh Clinch Fifth Straight Win

Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team continued their remarkable run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing a commanding fifth consecutive victory with a 39-run triumph over Thailand at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Nepal. With this win, the prospect of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup now lies tantalisingly close for the Nigar Sultan sisters.

After losing the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat first. The innings got off to a rocky start as opener Dilara Akhter was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball, followed shortly by Sharmin Akhter’s early departure. However, the middle order stabilised the innings brilliantly. Juwairia Ferdous and Sobhana Mostari stitched together a 110-run partnership off 82 deliveries, laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Juwairia contributed a quick 56 runs from 45 balls, including four towering sixes – setting a new record for the most sixes by a Bangladeshi batter in a single Women’s T20 innings. Sobhana, meanwhile, played a more aggressive innings, scoring 59 runs from 42 deliveries and was deservedly named Player of the Match. Late cameos by Ritu Moni, who scored 15 off 6 balls, further boosted Bangladesh’s total to 165 for 8 in 20 overs, marking the fourth-highest team total in the country’s Women’s T20 history.

Chasing 166, Thailand struggled to maintain the required run rate despite a bright start. After 10 overs, they were 61 for 1, but the asking rate soon became insurmountable. Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Marufa Akhter, dismantled the Thai lineup. Marufa took 3 for 25, with Ritu Moni and Swarna each claiming two wickets, restricting Thailand to 126 for 8 at the end of their innings.

Match Summary

Bangladesh now sit atop the Super Six table with three wins from three matches, amassing six points. Points from victories over Ireland and the United States during the group stage have been carried forward. With only three matches to be played in the Super Six stage – and a total of five matches counting all points – Bangladesh are in a commanding position. Their current run rate of 1.150 is second only to Scotland (1.356), who have four points from three matches.

Qualification for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales is all but secured for Bangladesh. Even a single point from the remaining two Super Six matches would confirm their place. Today, if the Netherlands defeat the United States, Bangladesh’s qualification will be mathematically confirmed.

This series of victories not only reflects the team’s skill and resilience but also signals that the Nigar Sultan sisters are ready to take on the world stage in June–July 2026 with confidence.