Match Result: Bangladesh Edge Scotland by 16 Runs in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Opener

In the first match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 held on 3rd October 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh Women claimed a 16-run victory over Scotland Women. Bangladesh Women batted first and posted a total of 119/7 in their allotted 20 overs, and in response, Scotland Women managed to score 103/7 in their 20 overs. The Player of the Match was Ritu Moni, whose all-round performance with both bat and ball played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s win.

Bangladesh Women Batting Performance:

Bangladesh’s innings was highlighted by steady contributions from their batters.

• Shathi Rani provided a solid start, scoring 29 runs off 32 balls, including 3 boundaries, but fell to Katherine Fraser.
• Sobhana Mostary was the top scorer, adding a well-compiled 36 runs off 38 balls, hitting 2 boundaries.
• Nigar Sultana (captain and wicketkeeper) played a captain’s knock, scoring 18 runs off 18 balls.
• Ritu Moni chipped in with 5 runs off 4 balls, but her main contribution came later with the ball.
• Towards the end of the innings, Fahima Khatun struck a quickfire 10 runs from 5 balls, including 2 boundaries, to give Bangladesh a late boost.

Despite consistent efforts, Bangladesh’s batting was held in check by Scotland’s bowling attack, especially Katherine Fraser, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs in her four overs.

Scotland Women Bowling Performance:

The Scotland bowlers put up a disciplined performance:

• Katherine Fraser was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for 24 runs in her 4 overs, dismissing Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun.
• Saskia Horley contributed well, picking up 2 wickets for 25 runs, including the wicket of the Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana.
• Kathryn Bryce and Olivia Bell also took a wicket each, with Bryce conceding just 14 runs in her 4 overs, adding to the pressure.

Scotland Women Batting Performance:

Chasing 120, Scotland struggled to get going with the Bangladesh bowlers applying pressure from the start:

• Sarah Bryce (wk) anchored the innings with an unbeaten 49 runs off 52 balls, including 1 boundary, showing resilience amidst regular fall of wickets.
• Kathryn Bryce (captain) added 11 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed by Marufa Akter.
• Ailsa Lister and Saskia Horley contributed 11 and 8 runs, respectively, but couldn’t convert their starts into big scores.

Scotland’s middle-order struggled, and only Sarah Bryce showed resistance. The team fell short by 16 runs despite her valiant effort.

Bangladesh Women Bowling Performance:

Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight lines and restricted Scotland effectively:

• Ritu Moni was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 15 runs in her 4 overs. She dismissed Ailsa Lister and Darcey Carter at crucial moments, which derailed Scotland’s chase.
• Fahima Khatun and Rabeya both picked up a wicket each and kept the scoring rate in check.
• Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter also took one wicket apiece, contributing to the pressure that kept Scotland from reaching the target.

Fall of Wickets (Scotland):

Scotland’s batting lineup crumbled at key moments, with wickets falling regularly:

1. Saskia Horley (12/1 in 2.3 overs) – stumped by Nigar Sultana off Fahima Khatun.
2. Kathryn Bryce (31/2 in 6 overs) – bowled by Marufa Akter.
3. Ailsa Lister (49/3 in 9.5 overs) – caught by Rabeya off Ritu Moni.
4. Priyanaz Chatterji (65/4 in 12.1 overs) – run out by Marufa Akter/Nahida Akter.
5. Darcey Carter (70/5 in 14.2 overs) – caught by Fahima Khatun off Ritu Moni.
6. Jack Brown (88/6 in 17.5 overs) – stumped by Nigar Sultana off Rabeya.
7. Katherine Fraser (93/7 in 18.5 overs) – caught by Rabeya off Nahida Akter.

Top Batting Performance Review:

Sobhana Mostary was the standout performer for Bangladesh Women with the bat, scoring 36 off 38 balls. Her innings was crucial in steadying Bangladesh’s innings after early dismissals. Mostary’s calm and composed approach ensured that Bangladesh set a competitive total.

For Scotland Women, Sarah Bryce held the innings together with a fighting knock of 49* off 52 balls. However, she lacked adequate support from the other end as the team faltered in their chase.

Top Bowling Performance Review:

Ritu Moni was the star performer with the ball for Bangladesh Women, finishing with figures of 2/15 in 4 overs. Her wickets at crucial junctures, especially the dismissal of Ailsa Lister and Darcey Carter, effectively sealed the match for Bangladesh. She was economical and applied pressure throughout her spell.

On the Scotland side, Katherine Fraser bowled brilliantly, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs, dismissing two key players. Her control and ability to break partnerships made her Scotland’s top bowler in this match.

Player of the Match Review: Ritu Moni

Ritu Moni was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for her all-round contribution. She scored a quick 5 runs from 4 balls towards the end of Bangladesh’s innings, but it was her bowling that turned the game in Bangladesh’s favor. Her figures of 2/15 in 4 overs were instrumental in breaking Scotland’s middle-order and ensuring that they fell short in their chase. Moni’s ability to deliver under pressure makes her a vital asset for Bangladesh in this tournament.

Scotland Women Bowling Performance (Detailed):

Scotland Women’s bowling attack was led by a combination of economical spells and wicket-taking deliveries.

• Rachel Slater bowled 2 overs, conceding 13 runs at an economy of 6.50, but did not take any wickets.
• Kathryn Bryce delivered 4 overs, claiming 1 wicket for 23 runs with a steady economy of 5.75, dismissing key Bangladesh players.
• Olivia Bell had similar figures, bowling 4 overs for 23 runs and taking 1 wicket at an economy of 5.75.
• Abtaha Maqsood bowled 4 overs, conceding 24 runs but didn’t manage to pick up a wicket, maintaining an economy of 6.00.
• Katherine Fraser continued her excellent form, taking 1 wicket for 23 runs in her 4 overs, maintaining a solid economy rate of 5.75.
• Saskia Horley stood out with 2 overs, grabbing 3 crucial wickets while conceding just 13 runs, making her the most effective bowler for Scotland.

Fall of Wickets for Bangladesh Women:

1. Murshida Khatun (26/1 in 4.3 overs) – The first wicket fell with Murshida Khatun being caught, and this early breakthrough set the tone for Scotland’s initial pressure.
2. Shathi Rani (68/2 in 11.5 overs) – Shathi Rani fell after building a crucial partnership, providing Scotland a key wicket at an important moment.
3. Taj Nehar (69/3 in 12.3 overs) – Taj Nehar was dismissed shortly after, increasing the pressure on Bangladesh to rebuild their innings.
4. Sobhana Mostary (86/4 in 15.1 overs) – Sobhana Mostary, who was playing fluently, was dismissed, further setting Bangladesh back after a good knock.
5. Shorna Akter (97/5 in 17.1 overs) – Another wicket fell, leaving Bangladesh with some work to do in the death overs.
6. Ritu Moni (103/6 in 18 overs) – Ritu Moni, who later shone with the ball, was dismissed for a quickfire 5.
7. Nigar Sultana (captain) (118/7 in 19.5 overs) – The captain Nigar Sultana was dismissed near the end of the innings, with Bangladesh ultimately posting 119/7 in their 20 overs.

Conclusion:

Bangladesh Women opened their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a well-rounded performance, defending a moderate total of 119 and securing a 16-run victory over Scotland Women. While Scotland’s Sarah Bryce fought hard, the all-round efforts of Ritu Moni and disciplined bowling by Bangladesh ensured their success.