Sharmin Akhter’s unbeaten 37 guided Bangladesh to a six-wicket victory over the Netherlands at Edgbaston, Birmingham, securing a win with five balls to spare. Juairiya Ferdous contributed a vital 50, while Netherlands captain Babette De Leede also struck a half-century in her side’s opening encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Netherlands, currently ranked 14th, posted 139 for eight after electing to bat first. Bangladesh, ranked 10th, enjoyed a strong start but experienced a mid-innings collapse, sliding from 67 without loss to 85 for four. However, the partnership between Sharmin and Shorna Akter stabilized the chase. Despite Caroline De Lange claiming two wickets in two balls—including the dismissal of Juairiya—Bangladesh maintained their composure to seal the win.
De Leede Anchors Dutch Effort
After winning the toss, De Leede opted to bat first. Phebe Molkenboer started aggressively with consecutive boundaries off Marufa Akter before edging out. Heather Siegers added 10, but Nigar Sultana took a sharp catch to dismiss her as Fariha Trisna struck. Rabeya Khan marked a milestone, taking her 50th T20I wicket with her very first delivery of the match.
Captain Babette De Leede eventually took control of the innings, overcoming an early missed chance and a run-out scare. She accelerated late in the innings, hitting back-to-back cover drives off Sanjida Akter Meghla. De Leede reached her 50 with a single but was run out on the subsequent delivery. A late stand between Iris Zwilling and Silver Siegers helped the Netherlands reach their total.
Juairiya and Sharmin Secure the Win
Bangladesh’s chase began aggressively, reaching 47 without loss by the end of the powerplay. Juairiya Ferdous, surviving an early chance, attacked the deep midwicket region to reach 50 from 32 balls—her second half-century in T20Is—before she was dismissed. On the following delivery, De Lange bowled Nigar Sultana, sparking a period of tension.
The pressure mounted as Dilara Akter fell following a review, and with the score at 79 for three, Sobhana Mostary was run out. However, Sharmin and Shorna Akter steadied the innings. Sharmin found the boundary late in the game, and Shorna closed out the match with a lofted shot over mid-off.
With a successful start to their Group A campaign, Bangladesh will next face Australia at Headingley on Wednesday. The Netherlands will travel to the same venue for their next clash against India.
Bangladesh vs Netherlands: Brief Scores
Netherlands: 139/8 in 20 overs
Bangladesh: 141/4 in 19.1 overs
Top scores: Babette De Leede 50, Juairiya Ferdous 50, Sharmin Akhter 37*
Best bowling: Caroline De Lange 2/27, Marufa Akter 2/31, Silver Siegers 1/24
Result: Bangladesh won by six wickets