Unbeaten run ends in victory as Bangladesh women top qualifiers with win over Netherlands

Bangladesh women wrapped up the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal in dominant fashion, finishing their campaign with another win. In the final Super Six match on Sunday, Nigar Sultana’s side defeated the Netherlands by seven wickets to underline their unbeaten, champion-like performance in the tournament.

The match was played at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. With this result, Bangladesh registered their seventh consecutive win of the qualifiers, remaining undefeated throughout the competition. The team had already secured qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England later this year, and finished the tournament at the top of the points table.

Bangladesh had earlier won all four of their group-stage matches and carried the same momentum into the Super Six. They completed the phase with three straight victories, rarely facing serious resistance along the way.

In the final match, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana opted to field first. The bowlers responded with an impressive display, putting the Netherlands under pressure from the outset. Off-spinner Nahida Akter was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs. Within eight overs, the Netherlands were reduced to 25 for five.

A recovery effort followed through Sania Khurana and Robine Rijke, who added 78 runs for the sixth wicket. Their partnership lasted until the penultimate ball of the innings, giving the Netherlands some stability. Sania remained unbeaten on 43 off 37 balls, while Rijke scored 39 from 45 deliveries. The Netherlands eventually posted 102 for six in their allotted overs.

Chasing the target, Bangladesh lost both openers early, but captain Nigar Sultana steadied the innings with a composed knock. She remained unbeaten on 50 from 44 balls, anchoring the chase. Sobhana Mostary provided strong support, scoring an unbeaten 33 off 23 balls. Bangladesh reached the target in 16.4 overs, finishing on 105 for three.

Alongside Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Ireland have also secured their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The final qualification spot will be decided today when Scotland face the United States, with the outcome of that match determining the last team to qualify.