Bangladesh Women Dominate Papua New Guinea In Qualifier Clash

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 in Nepal is already delivering high-stakes drama and standout performances, and on January 20, Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team sent another strong message to the rest of Group A. Taking on Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the Tigresses produced a clinical display to secure a commanding 30-run victory, strengthening their position at the top of the group and edging closer to a potential World Cup spot later this year in England and Wales.

The context surrounding this fixture couldn’t have been more contrasting. Bangladesh entered the match riding high after a 21-run win over the United States, boasting a perfect record and a healthy net run rate. PNG, meanwhile, were licking their wounds after a heavy defeat to Ireland, their campaign already teetering on the brink. With only the top three from each group advancing to the Super Six stage—and just four World Cup berths available—every match is a must-win, especially for teams chasing early points.

PNG captain Brenda Tau won the toss and opted to field first, hoping her bowlers could exploit the bowler-friendly surface at Kirtipur. Bangladesh, however, showed no signs of nerves, making two bold changes to their lineup: off-spinner Sultana Khatun and leg-spinner Fahima Khatun came in for pacer Marufa Akter and left-arm spinner Nahida Akter. The move paid off handsomely as the team’s depth and adaptability shone through.

Openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous laid a solid foundation, mixing caution with aggression against PNG’s new-ball attack. Juairiya was the first to fall, dismissed by seamer Mairi Tom for 17, but not before helping put on a steady partnership. Dilara continued to anchor the innings, rotating the strike and punishing the rare loose deliveries. Her promising knock ended on 35 from 29 balls after an unfortunate run-out in the 10th over—a moment that could have rattled lesser sides.

Last match’s hero, Sharmin Akhter, looked in good touch and chipped in with a composed 28, but her dismissal left Bangladesh needing a spark in the middle overs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s brief stay ended with a run-out for six, and suddenly, PNG sensed an opening. But what followed was nothing short of electrifying.

Enter Shorna Akter and Sobhana Mostary. The pair transformed the innings in spectacular fashion, launching a late assault that left PNG’s bowlers shell-shocked. Shorna, just 19 years old, played with the confidence of a seasoned pro, hammering 37 runs off only 14 balls, including four towering sixes and a boundary. Her strike rate of 264.28 was a testament to her fearless approach. Sobhana was equally impressive, smashing 34 from 24 balls and ensuring the momentum never dipped. Their partnership powered Bangladesh to a formidable total of 168 for five—a score that looked daunting on a pitch with consistent bounce and long boundaries ranging from 60 to 86 meters.

PNG’s bowlers, particularly Henao Thomas, did their best to contain the carnage, with Thomas eventually dismissing Shorna in the final over. But the damage had been done. As the teams switched innings, the sun shone brightly over Kirtipur, with temperatures hovering at a pleasant 19°C and a gentle breeze from the west—ideal conditions for cricket, but the pressure was now squarely on PNG’s batters.

The chase began with promise. Openers Konio Oala and Hollan Doriga took the attack to Bangladesh, racing to 12 in the opening exchanges. But medium-pacer Ritu Moni delivered the first breakthrough in the fourth over, sending Oala back for 12 off 8 balls. In the very next over, Rabeya Khan struck again, bowling Doriga just as she was starting to look dangerous with a brisk 21 off 13 balls. The quick wickets set PNG back, but captain Brenda Tau and Sibona Jimmy mounted a spirited resistance.

Tau, the heartbeat of PNG’s lineup, played a captain’s knock, accumulating 35 off 32 balls, while Jimmy contributed a patient 28 from 30 deliveries. Their partnership gave PNG a glimmer of hope, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept their composure. Sobhana Mostary and Fahima Khatun broke the stand, removing Tau and Jimmy respectively, and from there, the PNG innings unraveled.

Shorna Akter, already the star with the bat, chipped in with a wicket of her own, conceding just six runs in her solitary over. The rest of Bangladesh’s attack shared the spoils, with Sanjida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, and Sobhana all grabbing a wicket apiece. Sultana Khatun was the only bowler to finish wicketless, but her tight lines helped build pressure as PNG’s chase fizzled out. The final margin—a 30-run win—reflected Bangladesh’s dominance in all departments.

For PNG, it was another tough outing. Despite flashes of resistance, particularly from Tau and Jimmy, and the earlier promise shown by Doriga, they couldn’t sustain the required tempo. Their bowlers, especially Henao Thomas, had moments of brilliance, but the lack of support and the relentless Bangladesh batting onslaught proved too much to handle. With a net run rate slipping further into the negative, PNG now face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, have now won back-to-back matches in Group A, sitting pretty at the summit. Their ability to adapt—evident in the successful team changes and the spread of contributions with both bat and ball—makes them genuine contenders not just to qualify, but to go deep in the tournament. The Tigresses’ mix of youth and experience is clicking at just the right time, and their fans will be dreaming of a return to the global stage in England and Wales this summer.

As the group stage continues every alternate day until January 26, all eyes will remain on Bangladesh’s next moves and PNG’s fight to stay in contention. With the top three from each group progressing to the Super Six, and only four ultimate World Cup spots up for grabs, there’s little room for error. The action resumes soon, and if today’s contest is any indication, the road to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises plenty more fireworks.