Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana’s unbeaten half-century guided her side to a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Netherlands in their final match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal on Saturday.
Already assured of a place in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Bangladesh completed a perfect campaign by chasing down 102 with 20 balls to spare at the Upper Mulpani Ground in Kathmandu.
After winning the toss, the Netherlands struggled early as Bangladesh’s bowlers reduced them to 23 for five inside the powerplay. Nahida Akter led the attack with figures of 3 for 10, including a maiden, while Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter provided strong support.
The Dutch innings was rescued by a 78-run sixth-wicket partnership between Robine Rijke and Sania Khurana. Rijke made 39 before falling in the final over, while Khurana remained unbeaten on 43 as the Netherlands finished on 102 for six.
Bangladesh’s reply got off to a shaky start with openers Dilara Akter and Juwairiya Ferdous both dismissed for a combined six runs, but Nigar steadied the chase with a 42-run stand for the third wicket with Sharmin Akter.
After Sharmin fell for 13, Nigar added an unbroken 57-run partnership off 37 balls with Sobhana Mostary to take Bangladesh home.
Nigar struck seven fours in her 44-ball 50 not out, her 10th half-century in women’s T20 internationals, while Mostary finished unbeaten on 33 from 23 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Bangladesh ended the qualifiers with seven wins from seven matches, while the Netherlands won five. Ireland have also secured qualification, with all three teams advancing to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Player of the match was Nahida Akter.
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