Bangladesh wins World Cup qualifiers with a golden storm

Bangladesh won its second consecutive World Cup qualifier.

In the Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers, Swarna Akhtar's batting storm was seen against Papua New Guinea. She played an innings of 37 runs with a strike rate of over 250. In that, Bangladesh batted first and scored a fighting capital of 168 runs. In reply, Papua New Guinea was limited to 138 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. The Bengal Tigers won by 30 runs.

Papua New Guinea won the toss and sent Bangladesh to bat at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Nepal. The Tigresses scored 49 runs in the first 5 overs. They lost to Juaira Ferdous (17 off 11 balls). Another opener, Dilara Akhtar, played an innings of 35 runs off 29 balls. Sharmin Akhtar Supta (28) who came out at number three was a slow innings (34 balls).

Captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti could not make much of an advantage with the bat. However, Sobhana Mostari who came out at number five batted brilliantly. She remained unbeaten on 34 runs off 24 balls with 2 fours and a six. Swarna mainly made up for Bangladesh's deficit. She scored 37 runs off 14 balls with 1 four and 4 sixes. When she was out at the last moment, Ritu Moni remained unbeaten on 5 runs off 2 balls.

Papua New Guinea, batting in response to the target of 169 runs set by Bangladesh, lost two wickets for 34 runs. However, Brenda Tau and Sibona Jimmy gave the Tigresses a scare for the third wicket. They put on a 64-run partnership. However, Sobhana returned Brenda for 98 runs and brought relief to the Bangladesh camp. After that, Bangladesh bowlers did not let Papua New Guinea stand still.

Swarna was adjudged the player of the match for taking one wicket along with a devastating 37 runs. Sanjida Akhtar Meghla, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun and Sobhana took one wicket each.

Bangladesh is in Group 'A' in the Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers. Bangladesh is at the top of this group with 2 points. The other four teams in the group are - Papua New Guinea, Ireland, USA and Namibia.