Bangladesh's women's cricket team has showcased an impressive performance in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025, emerging victorious in all three of their matches so far. With a blend of dominance and grit, they have secured their place at the top of the table, and are just one win away from guaranteeing their spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year.
In their opening match, Bangladesh kicked off their campaign with a stunning 178-run victory over Thailand, which not only set the tone for the tournament but also provided a significant boost to their net run rate right from the start. The team continued their winning streak with a nail-biting two-wicket victory against Ireland, showcasing their ability to handle pressure in critical moments. Their most recent match against Scotland saw them triumph by 34 runs, consolidating their position at the top with six points and an impressive net run rate of +1.494.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty has been a standout performer, leading from the front with the bat. After her remarkable innings against Thailand, where she scored her maiden ODI century, Joty has amassed a total of 235 runs from just three innings at a phenomenal average of 117.50. Speaking after the match against Scotland, she emphasized the importance of remaining grounded as they approach crucial matches against West Indies and Pakistan. "We plan to go match-by-match. Yes, we’re looking forward to the game, but we play this game as a team," Joty stated. Her focus on teamwork and consistency has been a driving force behind the team’s success.
In the match against Scotland, Bangladesh set a formidable target of 277 runs, scoring 276 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. Joty led the charge with an unbeaten 83 runs off just 59 balls, hitting eleven boundaries. She was well-supported by Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter, who both contributed 57 runs each to the total. The trio’s efforts were crucial in building a competitive score, especially in a tournament where every run counts.
Scotland, in response, managed to put up a fight but fell short, finishing their innings at 242 for 9. The highlight of their innings was the eighth-wicket partnership between Priyanaz Chatterji and Rachel Slater, who both scored 61 runs. However, Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Nahida Akhter, who took four wickets for 40 runs, ensured the victory. Jannatul Ferdus also played a pivotal role, claiming two wickets and maintaining a tight economy rate throughout the match.
As Bangladesh prepares for their upcoming match against Hayley Matthews' West Indies on April 17, 2025, the stakes are high. A win in this encounter would not only secure their place in the World Cup but also solidify their status as serious title contenders. Joty has urged her teammates to concentrate on the positives and continue their winning momentum. "We need to concentrate on what (good things) we’ve done as a team. It’s going to be a good match, and the way we’ve played in the last few games, we just want to continue with that," she added.
Bangladesh's consistent performances have been a result of both strong batting and effective bowling. The team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome challenges, an essential trait as they face two quality opponents in the upcoming matches. Coach Sohel Islam, who has taken over from Mushtaq Ahmed for the Zimbabwe series, has praised the team’s resilience and growth throughout the tournament.
The upcoming matches against West Indies and Pakistan are pivotal, not just for qualification but also for building confidence ahead of the World Cup. As the players gear up for these encounters, the spirit within the squad is palpable. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance has created a dynamic team atmosphere, crucial for success in high-pressure situations.
In conclusion, Bangladesh's women's cricket team is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. With their eyes set on the World Cup, the team is focused on maintaining their winning streak and continuing to build on their strengths. As they prepare to face West Indies, fans and supporters alike are eager to see if they can secure that all-important victory to book their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
