Tigresses Crush Thailand by 178 Runs in World Cup Qualifier Opener

Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team began their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing Thailand by 178 runs in their opening match. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with a century, while spinners Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdous Sumona each took five-wicket hauls to dismantle the Thai batting lineup.

The match, held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, saw Thailand win the toss and elect to field first. Bangladesh capitalized on the opportunity, posting a commanding total of 271 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, Thailand were bundled out for just 93 runs, overwhelmed by Bangladesh’s potent spin attack.

Joty and Sharmin Akhter forged a record-breaking third-wicket partnership, adding 152 runs off 138 balls—the highest for Bangladesh in any format. Joty brought up a well-crafted century, scoring 100 off 80 deliveries with 15 fours and a six. Sharmin, though narrowly missed out on a hundred, remained unbeaten on 94 off 126 balls, hitting 11 boundaries.

The Thai batters never settled in as they collapsed under the pressure of Bangladesh’s spin duo. Sumona delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 5 overs. Fahima Khatun also secured a five-for, conceding only 21 runs.

Only three Thai batters managed to reach double digits, with opener Nattaya Boochatham top-scoring with 22. The rest crumbled quickly, and the team was bowled out for 93 runs in under 32 overs.

With this emphatic win, Bangladesh have laid down a strong marker in the qualifiers and signaled their intent to dominate the tournament.