Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table: Updated standings after Bangladesh vs Scotland
Bangladesh women kickstarted the 2024 T20 World Cup with a win over Scotland women at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Thursday, October 3. The Nigar-Sultana led side claimed the first set of points available after defending a low target of 119-7 in the tournament opener. This marked their first win at the Women's T20 World Cup since 2014.
Bangladesh women had won the toss and opted to bat first. They got off to a relatively solid start, scoring 35 runs in the powerplay as Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce made the first breakthrough in the fifth over of the innings. Bangladesh's innings further stumbled after they lost two wickets in two successive overs, reeling at 69-3 in the 13th over.
They could not switch gears as hoped and had to settle for 119-7 at the end of the first innings. The bowlers, however, stepped up to defend the score. After making an early breakthrough in the third over, the decisive moment came in the form of Kathryn Bryce's dismissal off the final delivery of the powerplay.
Bangladesh kept things tight in the middle overs, and the required rate eventually got out of reach for Scotland. The chasing side could only muster 103-7 to begin their campaign with a loss.
The win gives Bangladesh two points in Group B, and a slight boost in their net-run rate. According to ICC's website, the subcontinent side are now top of the group with a net run-rate of +0.800.
Bangladesh women set to face England women on October 6
After beginning their campaign on an eventful note, Bangladesh women will have a huge challenge in the form of the Heather Knight-led England side in Group B. The clash is scheduled to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 6.
Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana was pleased with the win, admitting that the conditions were tricky, requiring adapting before taking risks.
"We have been waiting for this for a long time. This means a lot for us and everyone in the team. It was a kind of wicket where you need time to settle and Shathi and Mostary managed to do that. The conditions were pretty hot and we ran a lot of twos," the skipper said during the post-match presentation
Bangladesh were slated to host the 2024 T20 World Cup initially, but the tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of the political unrest in the subcontinet nation.