Tigresses beat Scotland to snap win-drought in T20WC

Bangladesh Women's team secured an elusive win in
ICC T20 World Cup by cruising to a 16-run victory over Scotland in their
opening game today at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Having done so, Tigresses' registered their only second victory in the
marquee event with the first victory came in 2014 when they hosted the
tournament. Bangladesh were the hosts of this edition too before it moved to
UAE due to the political turmoil. However, Bangladesh still have the hosting
rights.

The victory became more memorable for captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who
achieved the milestone of playing 100th T20 International as the first
Bangladeshi Women's player with this match.

Joty scored just 18 in this game but the victory was more important, she said
immediate after the match.

"We have been waiting for this moment for a long time," Joty said. "We had in
our minds that this is our moment. It means a lot"

Bangladesh piled up 119-7 after electing to bat first with the team-best 36
coming from Sobhana Mostary's willow. Opener Sathi Rani was the other notable
scorer wi6th 29.

Later, the bowlers bowled well in tandem to restrict Scotland to 103-7
despite opener Sarah Bryce's valiant 49 not out.

Sathi Rani and Murshida started well for Bangladesh, having added 26 but the
Tigresses then lost wickets in cluster to leave them in jeopardized state.

Amid the tumbling of the wickets, Mostary kept the scoreboard moving with
typical aggressive fashion. She hammered two fours in her 38-ball-knock.

Ritu Moni played a vital role in bowling, claiming 2-15 in four overs. Marufa
Akter, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan picked up one wicket
apiece.

"It was a decent wicket so I just wanted to bowl wicket-to-wicket and use my
variations," Ritu said after the match.

"We have put in a lot of hard work in the last year and we were really
prepared. It is a great moment and a very proud moment for me and my team,"
She said, adding that they bowled to their strength after assessing the
condition.

Bangladesh which are eying semifinal berth will lock horns with England in
their next match at the same venue on October 5.

They will then take on West Indies and South Africa on October 11 and 13 in
Sharjah.