Bangladesh Claims Victory Over Scotland

In their inaugural match at the Women's T20 World Cup, Scotland faced a 16-run defeat against Bangladesh in Sharjah.  

Set a target of 120 runs on a slow pitch with high humidity, Scotland struggled against Bangladesh's varied spin attack, finishing at 103 for 7.  

Sarah Bryce, the opener, stood out for Scotland, scoring an unbeaten 49 runs off 52 balls, but lacked sufficient support as the middle order faltered under the pressure of the chase.  

Nerves were evident in Scotland's fielding as they dropped three catchable opportunities, despite a solid bowling performance that limited Bangladesh to 119 for 7.  

Sobhana Mostary was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 36 runs after the team opted to bat first in unfamiliar conditions, given the limited women's cricket played in the UAE.  

Boundaries proved hard to come by, especially against spin, with all-rounder Saskia Horley claiming three late wickets, ensuring Bangladesh couldn't score at a run a ball.  

The conditions favoured Bangladesh, who effectively applied pressure on Scotland's key players, including Bryce and her sister, Kathryn, the captain, who fell to seamer Marufa Akter for just 11 runs.  

Following Kathryn's departure at the end of the six-over powerplay, Scotland struggled to recover, with Ailsa Lister being the only other player to reach double digits. The team managed a mere five boundaries throughout their innings.  

This marks Bangladesh's first T20 World Cup victory since 2014 and their first win on foreign soil. They will next face England on Saturday, while Scotland prepares to play against the West Indies the following day.