Bangladesh asserted their authority at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on Tuesday, beating the United States by 21 runs in the women’s T20 World Cup qualifier through a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 159 for five in their 20 overs, built around a fluent innings of 63 from Sharmin Akhter. The opener struck eight fours and a six in her 39-ball knock to give Bangladesh momentum through the middle overs. Sobhana Mostary provided support with 32, while the rest of the line-up ensured the total crossed the 150 mark.
For the United States, Maahi Madhavan was the standout with the ball, finishing with three wickets.
In reply, the USA chase faltered after the opening stand was broken at 42. Ritu Moni applied pressure at the top of the order before Nahida Akter ripped through the middle, leaving the Americans struggling to keep up with the required rate.
Chetna Pagydyala top-scored for the USA with 36, while Ritu contributed 33 and fellow opener Disha Dhingra made 23. The innings never fully recovered from the early setbacks, and the United States were bowled out for 137 with one wicket remaining.
Nahida was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 24 runs from her four overs. Ritu Moni matched her economy and claimed three wickets for 24, sealing a controlled and convincing win for Bangladesh.
