Bangladesh survived a scare to edge past the Netherlands in a thrilling opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup at Edgbaston. The Dutch, competing in their first Women's T20 World Cup, came close to causing an upset but ultimately fell short by six wickets.
Netherlands captain Babette de Leede led from the front, scoring 50 off 45 deliveries, but her team's batting relied too heavily on her efforts. The top-order collapsed to 85-4, leaving the lower order to chase a target of 141.
Bangladesh's Shorna Akter proved to be the difference-maker, striking the winning boundary in the final over with three required. The win was set up by an excellent 67-run partnership between Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter Dola, who both scored valuable half-centuries.
Bangladesh's victory marked a successful start to their Women's T20 World Cup campaign, while the Netherlands face a tough task in their next match against India on Wednesday.
The win has sent shockwaves through the Women's T20 World Cup, with many praising Bangladesh's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.