Bangladesh women opened their World Cup Group B campaign at Edgbaston with a six-wicket win over the Netherlands, thanks in part to a sparkling half-century from Juairiya Ferdous on debut. It was the biggest successful run chase in the history of the tournament by Bangladesh and for where they were at, it gave them a great platform to start their World Cup campaign.
Bangladesh chased down a target of 140 and were well in control for much of their innings. Openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter put pressure on Dutch bowlers hitting all round the park as they propelled past the required run rate. The two added 67 runs in the first wicket partnership to set base for the run chase.
Juairiya was the best performer, hitting with incredible confidence on her World Cup debut. She combined aggression with sensible shot selections to bring up her well-deserved fifty in only 32 balls. Bangladesh took quick control of the contest, with her knock including a total of seven fours and two sixes. Dilara, played her part equally well maintaining a good strike rotation and ensuring the partner dominates.
Yet the chase was not at all uncomplicated. Bangladesh was in control at that point but fell apart when the Dutch ran through the Premier 11’s batters after breaking the opening partnership. The scripts flipped, and what seemed like a routine pursuit became a nail-biter.
Those two cramps had created nerves within the team and as pressure mounted, they turned to heroes. sharmin akhter and shorna akter who stood up when their side needed them the most. A steady partnership of 50 (not out) combined under pressure helped the pair remain cool and close to successfully steer Bangladesh across the finish line with five-balls remaining.
The Netherlands had earlier scored 139 for 8 after opting to bat first. Captain Babette de Leede scored a rock-solid 50 from 45 balls. She anchored the innings despite some early wickets, and found support from the middle order. The Dutch were well prepared for 290 at the late overs.
Marufa Akter and Fariha Trisna led the attack as Bangladesh bowlers kept the target under control. Ultimately, it was the coolness of Bangladesh in a tough situation and Juairiya’s memorable debut innings that made the change.
