Bangladesh takes a step towards the T20 World Cup by beating Thailand

Bangladesh is progressing at a great pace in the Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers. Nigar Sultana's team has won its fifth consecutive victory in the tournament by defeating tough opponents Thailand by 39 runs in the third match of the Super Six stage held in Kathmandu. The Tigers once again sent a big message by keeping the reins of the match in their own hands with controlled and confident performances in both batting and bowling. This victory has paved the way for Bangladesh to get a ticket to the main stage of the Women's T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh, having lost the toss at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, faced trouble at the beginning. Dilara Akhtar was dismissed with the first ball of the innings, then Sharmin Akhtar Supta returned to the dressing room in the second over. Although the pressure was created after losing two wickets for just two runs, Juairia Ferdous and Sobhana Mostari handled the innings with extraordinary determination.

Bangladesh gradually took control of the match with the bat of the duo. They put together a big partnership for the third wicket that turned the match around. Juairia played a responsible innings—56 runs off 45 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. At the other end, Sobhana Mostari was more aggressive. She scored 59 runs off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and a six in the innings. The pair broke for 122 runs in 15.3 overs, which laid the foundation for Bangladesh's big total.

Towards the end, Ritu Moni's quick cameo innings of 15 runs further enriched the score. Bangladesh's total stood at 165 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Thipacha Putthaung was the most successful bowler for Thailand, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs. Fannita Maya and Anicha Kamchompu also took two wickets each.

Chasing a challenging target of 166 runs, Thailand put up some resistance at the beginning but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Natthakan Chantham top-scored with 46 runs for the team. Despite a 67-run stand for the second wicket, Thailand was unable to come back into the match under pressure at the required run rate.

Marufa Akhtar was formidable in the beginning and end of Bangladesh's bowling attack. She took 3 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs. Swarna Akhtar and Ritu Moni turned the match around in the middle overs. Swarna took 2 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs, while Ritu Moni took 2 wickets for 20 runs.

In the end, Thailand was restricted to 126 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. As a result, Bangladesh secured their third consecutive Super Six victory and fifth consecutive victory in the entire tournament with a big 39-run win. The confident Titumba Tigers are now on the verge of stepping onto the main stage of the Women's T20 World Cup.