Bangladesh women moved a step ahead in their T20 World Cup quest on Wednesday, beating Thailand by 39 runs in a qualifier in Mulapani, Nepal, and putting themselves one win or even a rain-affected point away from direct qualification.
Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a competitive 165 for eight from their 20 overs. Thailand replied with 126 for eight and never truly looked in control of the chase.
The innings began with an early wobble. Dilara Akter fell first ball for a golden duck and Sharmin Akter followed soon after with 11, leaving Bangladesh searching for stability.
Juairiya Ferdous and Shobhana Mostary provided exactly that. They absorbed the pressure, shut down Thailand’s early momentum and stitched together a decisive 110-run stand.
Juairiya mixed timing with intent, scoring 56 from 43 balls with three fours and four sixes. Shobhana matched her stroke for stroke, hammering 59 from 42 deliveries with nine fours and a six.
That partnership changed the tone of the match. Bangladesh suddenly dictated the field and forced Thailand into defensive plans that never quite held.
The lower order failed to kick on, but Ritmoni’s 15 from just six balls added a useful late push. The rest chipped in modestly as Bangladesh settled on a total that demanded discipline to chase.
Thailand started brightly despite losing an early wicket. Their top three played with freedom, but the lack of depth soon caught up with them.
Nattakan Chantham top-scored with 44, while Naruemol Chaiwai made 30 and Nannapat Koncharoenkai added 29. None could carry the innings deep enough to threaten Bangladesh’s grip.
Bangladesh’s bowlers squeezed relentlessly. Marufa Islam led the charge with three wickets, hitting the deck hard and forcing mistakes.
Ritmoni and Swarna Akter took two wickets apiece, while Fahima Khatun claimed one. The pressure never eased and Thailand slipped out of the contest overs before the end.
With two matches left, Bangladesh now control their own destiny. One more win will seal a World Cup place, and even a rain-abandoned game could be enough to send Nigar Sultana Joty’s side through.
