Bangladesh’s struggles in the Scotland Women’s T20I Tri-Series continued with an eight-run loss to the Netherlands at the Grange Cricket Club Ground in Edinburgh. This defeat marks their second consecutive loss following an earlier eight-wicket defeat to Scotland.
In pursuit of 163 runs for victory, captain Nigar Sultana Joty played a remarkable innings of 77 runs off 51 balls. However, her efforts were in vain as the Netherlands managed to defend 18 runs in the final over, securing the win.
The Dutch team made a solid start with openers Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer putting on 57 runs before Rabeya Khan dismissed Molkenboer for 29 in the ninth over. Siegers contributed 52 runs and later combined with Sterre Kalis for a 58-run partnership before both were dismissed by pacer Fariha Trishna in the 16th over. A quick knock of 18 runs off 10 balls by Robine Rijke helped the Netherlands set a total of 162 for five. Trishna ended with figures of 2 for 26, while Marufa Akter and Rabeya also took a wicket each.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a rough start with early dismissals of Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter. Juairiya Ferdous scored 22 runs off 24 balls before getting out in the ninth over, leaving Bangladesh struggling with the required run rate. Joty then led a spirited fightback from the fourth position, keeping Bangladesh in the game until the later stages of the chase.
Despite Ritu Moni contributing a quick 17 runs off 12 balls, Bangladesh fell short in the end, losing three wickets in the last over. Joty’s innings concluded on the fourth ball of the over when she was caught at long-on for 77 runs, resulting in Bangladesh finishing eight runs shy of the target.
This victory marked the first time the Netherlands women’s team has defeated Bangladesh, having lost in all three previous encounters between the two sides. Bangladesh will now face Scotland on June 2 as they aim to secure their first win of the tournament.
