Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team continued their remarkable run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, claiming their fifth consecutive victory with a commanding 39-run triumph over Thailand at Mulpani, Nepal. This emphatic win brings the Tigresses ever closer to securing a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.
After losing the toss, Bangladesh were invited to bat first and posted a competitive total of 165 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. This is the fourth-highest team score in the history of Bangladesh Women’s T20 cricket. Despite a shaky start, the innings was anchored by a resilient partnership between Juwairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostari, who stitched together a 110-run stand off 82 deliveries, providing the backbone of the team’s total.
Juwairiya contributed a quickfire 56 off 45 balls, hitting four towering sixes, a record for the most sixes by a Bangladeshi woman in a single T20 innings. Sobhana was even more aggressive at the other end, scoring 59 off 42 balls to be adjudged Player of the Match. Ritu Moni added a brisk 15 from 6 balls towards the end, enriching the final tally.
Bangladesh’s innings had begun on a nerve-wracking note. Opener Dilara Akhter fell for a golden duck on the very first ball, and Sharmin Akhter also departed cheaply. However, the middle-order duo steadied the innings, allowing the team to post a challenging target.
In reply, Thailand never really got going. Despite a 46-run knock from Chantham and contributions from Chaiwi (30) and Koncharoenkai (29), they fell well short, finishing on 126 for 8. Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akhter made an immediate impact, removing the Thai opener on the first ball of their innings. She finished with impressive figures of 3 for 25, while Ritu Moni and Swarna took two wickets each.
With this victory, Bangladesh top the Super Six table with three wins from three matches, accumulating six points. Points from victories over Ireland and the United States in the group stage also carry forward. Only the top four teams from the Super Six will qualify for the T20 World Cup scheduled in England and Wales in June–July 2026, and Bangladesh are now on the cusp of qualification. Even a single point from the remaining two matches will virtually guarantee their World Cup berth.
Match Summary:
| Team | Score & Overs | Top Performers (Runs/Wickets) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 165/8 (20 overs) | Juwairiya 56, Sobhana 59, Ritu 15; Puththawong 3/22, Onicha 2/29 |
| Thailand | 126/8 (20 overs) | Chantham 46, Chaiwi 30, Koncharoenkai 29; Marufa 3/25, Ritu 2/20, Swarna 2/21 |
Result: Bangladesh won by 39 runs
Player of the Match: Sobhana Mostari
The Tigresses now carry forward an aura of invincibility in the qualifiers, demonstrating a perfect blend of aggression, composure, and teamwork, and edging ever closer to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.