Bangladesh faced another setback in the Scotland Women’s T20I Tri-Series with an eight-run loss to the Netherlands at the Grange Cricket Club Ground in Edinburgh. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss following an earlier eight-wicket defeat to Scotland.
In pursuit of 163 runs for victory, captain Nigar Sultana Joty played an impressive innings of 77 runs off 51 balls. However, her efforts were not enough as the Netherlands successfully defended 18 runs in the final over.
The Dutch team had a strong start with openers Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer putting on 57 runs before Rabeya Khan dismissed Molkenboer for 29 in the ninth over. Siegers contributed 52 runs and later partnered with Sterre Kalis for a 58-run stand before both were removed by pacer Fariha Trishna in the 16th over. A quick 18 off 10 balls from Robine Rijke helped the Netherlands reach 162 for five. Trishna took 2 wickets for 26 runs, while Marufa Akter and Rabeya took one wicket each.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start with early dismissals of Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter. Juairiya Ferdous scored 22 runs off 24 balls before being dismissed in the ninth over, leaving Bangladesh struggling with the required run rate. Joty then led a determined fightback from the fourth position, keeping Bangladesh in contention deep into the chase.
Despite Ritu Moni’s quick 17 off 12 balls, Bangladesh lost three crucial wickets in the last over. Joty was finally out for 77 on the fourth ball of the over, falling short by eight runs.
This victory marked the first time the Netherlands women’s team defeated Bangladesh after losing in their previous three encounters. Bangladesh will face Scotland on June 2 in their quest for the first win of the tournament.