Bangladesh have taken a decisive step towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, storming into the Super Six stage after an emphatic 80-run victory over Namibia. Nigar Sultana’s side will secure a place in the England tournament in June if they finish among the top four in the Super Six.
At the Tribhuvan University International Stadium in Nepal, Bangladesh batted first and posted 144 for 7. Their spinners then ran through Namibia, restricting them to just 64 runs in 17.5 overs.
Bangladesh had already beaten the United States and Papua New Guinea in their opening two group matches. After winning the toss, Namibia chose to field first, sending Bangladesh in to bat.
The innings started shakily with the early dismissal of Juairiya Ferdous in the first over. Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter steadied the innings with a second-wicket partnership, taking the score to 34 by the end of the fourth over.
Following the dismissals of both batters for 10 runs each, Sobhana Mostari and Nigar Sultana combined for a vital fourth-wicket stand of 46 runs. Mostari fell for 27 off 23 balls, followed shortly by Nigar Sultana for 21 off 29 balls. Bangladesh crossed the 130-run mark thanks to an 18-ball 23 from Swarna Akter, setting a challenging target for Namibia.
Chasing 145, Namibia made a steady start, reaching 20 runs in the first three overs. However, the first ball of the fourth over saw opener Rabeya Khan claim a wicket, triggering a dramatic collapse. Namibia lost eight wickets for just 33 runs, finishing well short of the target.
Rabeya Khan was exceptional with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in 4 overs. Fahima Khatun also claimed 3 wickets, conceding 12 runs in 3.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter was the standout, picking up 4 wickets for 14 runs in her 4 overs.
