Juairiya Ferdous stars as Bangladesh beat Netherlands in Women’s T20 World Cup clash

BIRMINGHAM: Bangladesh defeated debutants Netherlands by six wickets in a low-scoring encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Chasing 140, the Bengal Tigers comfortably crossed the target, finishing the chase in 19.1 overs after losing four wickets, thanks to a dominant batting display from openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter, along with a valuable contribution from Sharmin Akhter.

Ferdous top-scored for her side with a fluent 50 off 33 deliveries, smashing seven fours and two sixes, while Akter made 26 off 23 balls, hitting one boundary.

Sharmin Akhter remained unbeaten on 37 off 32 deliveries, striking four boundaries, while Shorna Akter also chipped in with 18 runs.

Caroline de Lange led the Netherlands bowling attack with figures of 2/27 in four overs, while Silver Siegers also chipped in with a wicket.

Batting first, the Netherlands were restricted to 139/8 in their allotted 20 overs despite a valiant effort led by skipper Babette de Leede, who registered a crucial half-century.

De Leede top-scored with 50 off 45 deliveries, hitting five boundaries, while opener Heather Siegers contributed 16 off 13 balls, including two boundaries.

Robine Rijke and Iris Zwilling added 13 runs each, while Phebe Molkenboer scored 11 runs.

From the Bangladesh bowling unit, Marufa Akter led the attack with figures of 2/31 in four overs, while Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan, and Ritu Moni picked up one wicket each in their respective spells.

For the unversed, Bangladesh will face Australia in their next match in Leeds on June 17, while the Netherlands will take on India at the same venue on the same day.