Bangladesh qualify for Women’s World T20 after thumping Scotland

Bangladesh Women’s fairytale run is continuing as they have qualified for World T20 for the third straight time after beating Scotland by 49 runs to set up the final clash with old rivals Ireland.

Favourites Bangladesh posted 125 after being sent in to bat first, and bowled out Scotland for 76 at Amstelveen in the Netherlands on Thursday. 

It was the first time Bangladesh batted first in the qualifier tournament, but the batters could not shine like previous matches.

They, however, did not face much difficulty in winning thanks to the bowlers.

Bangladesh played the World T20 tournament as the hosts in 2014.

They had to qualify for the tournament in the next round in 2016, but were defeated by Ireland in the final of the qualifier tournament.

The two nations will square off against each other in the final match at Uttrecht on Saturday.

West Indies will host the ICC World T20 in November.

On Thursday, openers Shamima Sultana (22) and Ayesha Rahman (20) gave Bangladesh a strong base with a 51-run partnership.

After Shamima’s run-out, Bangladesh fell in trouble when they lost Ayesha, Fargana Huq (2) and Rumana Ahmed (1) in quick succession.

From 62-4, Nigar Sultana dragged Bangladesh past 120 with an unbeaten 31.

Scotland began their chase in a steady fashion, scoring 40/1 in 10 overs.

Sisters Sarah Bryce and Catharine Bryce strung together a 43-run partnership.

But Scotland were clearly out of the match by losing six wickets to make just 14 runs.

No other Scottish batter could get to a two-digit figure.  

Leg-spinner Rumana shone again by taking 2 for 10 to be declared the Player of the Match.

The other spinner Nahida Akter also claimed 2 for 16.