Nigar Sultana led from the front as Bangladesh Women recorded a composed 26-run victory over Netherlands Women in a T20 World Cup Qualifier warm-up match at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Asked to bat after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a competitive 151 for 3 from their 20 overs, before restricting the Netherlands to 125 for 7 with a disciplined bowling display.
Bangladesh were checked early by the Dutch new-ball bowlers, but Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar steadied the innings with a decisive partnership. Mostary anchored the middle overs with a fluent 59 from 58 balls, finding gaps and keeping the scoreboard moving on a surface that offered little pace.
At the other end, Nigar provided authority and acceleration. Her unbeaten 75 from 51 deliveries, including nine fours and a six, lifted Bangladesh beyond the 150 mark, with a strong finish in the final overs proving crucial.
The Netherlands bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure. Iris Zwilling returned figures of 1 for 21 and Heather Siegers conceded just 23 runs from her four overs, but Bangladesh’s batters were largely able to dictate terms.
In reply, the Netherlands began steadily but were unable to build the partnerships required to threaten the target. Sterre Kalis top-scored with 31 from 23 balls, while Phebe Molkenboer made 28 and Robine Rijke added 15, yet wickets at regular intervals kept the chase in check.
Bangladesh’s bowlers shared responsibility effectively. Rabeya Khan was the standout, taking 3 for 17 and breaking key partnerships, while Ritu Moni claimed 2 for 17. Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun applied sustained pressure through economical spells that ensured the required rate continued to climb.
Despite a late push, the Netherlands were always behind the asking rate and closed on 125 for 7 after 20 overs.
Nigar was named player of the match for her unbeaten half-century and assured leadership, as Bangladesh made a confident start to their warm-up programme. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will look to sharpen their execution at the death and extend their batting partnerships ahead of the tournament proper.
