Ferdous fifty helps Bangladesh hold off Netherlands challenge

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 15, 2026

Bangladesh survived a determined fight from T20 World Cup debutants Netherlands to begin their campaign with a six-wicket victory in Birmingham.

Chasing 140, Bangladesh were given a flying start by opener Juairiya Ferdous, whose aggressive 50 off 32 balls laid the platform for the chase. The youngster struck seven fours and two sixes, helping Bangladesh register their highest successful chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.

However, the Netherlands hit back through spinner Caroline de Lange, who claimed two wickets in two balls to put Bangladesh under pressure. With the required rate rising, Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter steadied the innings with an unbroken 56-run partnership to guide their side home with six wickets and nine balls to spare. Sharmin finished unbeaten on 37.

Earlier, Netherlands captain Babette de Leede held the innings together with a composed 50 from 45 deliveries after wickets fell regularly around her. The skipper's eighth T20I half-century helped the newcomers recover from 76-5 before late contributions from Iris Zwilling and Silver Siegers lifted them to 139-8.

Bangladesh's bowling effort was led by Marufa Akter, who took 2-31, while the fielding brilliance of Shorna Akter also played a key role in restricting the Dutch side.

Despite an impressive debut appearance at the tournament, the Netherlands were unable to complete what would have been a memorable upset as Bangladesh's experience proved decisive.