Bangladesh Women inched closer to sealing their place in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup with a dominant 34-run victory over Scotland, driven by yet another formidable innings from captain Nigar Sultana. With one game in hand, Bangladesh now sit comfortably atop the Qualifier standings and require just a single win to confirm their berth at the main event in India later this year.
The match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi showcased Bangladesh’s growing depth and consistency as they posted 276 for 6 before restricting Scotland to 242 for 9. It was a performance that reaffirmed their credentials as one of the leading forces in emerging women’s cricket.
𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍! 👏
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) April 15, 2025
Nigar Sultana Joty follows up her scores of 101 and 51 with a breezy 83*, powering Bangladesh to 276/6. 🏏#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/gXFPtW7Dl6
Captain’s Knock: Nigar Sultana Anchors Bangladesh’s Innings
Nigar Sultana, continuing her red-hot form, led by example with an unbeaten 83 off 68 balls—her third consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament. Coming in after a solid foundation laid by Sharmin Akhter (57) and Fargana Hoque (57), Sultana accelerated with composure and clarity, taking on Scotland’s bowlers with a blend of calculated aggression and finesse.
Bangladesh’s batting innings was anchored by a 103-run second-wicket partnership between Sharmin and Fargana, which stabilized the innings after the early loss of Ishma Tanjim. Sultana’s late flourish, including a 61-run sixth-wicket stand with Fahima Khatun, pushed the total well beyond par.
Scotland’s Chase Undone by Early Collapse
Chasing 277, Scotland needed a record-breaking performance. Despite a defiant 115-run partnership between Priyanaz Chatterji and Rachel Slater—both scoring career-best 61s—the top-order collapse cost them dearly. Scotland were reeling at 31 for 3 within the first eight overs, with Nahida Akter (4-40) doing the bulk of the early damage.
The dismissals of captain Kathryn Bryce and opener Abbi Aitken-Drummond exposed a fragile middle-order. Though Sarah Bryce offered temporary resistance, scoring a gritty 42, the required rate kept climbing and Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling unit maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan Lead with the Ball
Bangladesh’s spinners once again proved decisive. Nahida Akter’s four-wicket haul dismantled Scotland’s top order, while Rabeya Khan chipped in with two key wickets in the middle overs. Offspinner Jannatul Ferdus also made her mark, taking two scalps, including a return catch off Sarah Bryce.
The variety and control exhibited by Bangladesh’s bowlers were in stark contrast to Scotland’s inconsistent attack. While every Scottish bowler except Abtaha Maqsood managed a wicket, they failed to contain Sultana’s onslaught or build pressure at crucial junctures.
Group Standings and Qualification Scenarios
Bangladesh, boasting a net run rate of +1.49, now hold the highest among all participating teams. Their consistent performances across batting and bowling departments place them in a strong position to qualify outright.
Scotland, however, are on the brink of elimination. With only one match remaining—against Ireland—they not only need to win convincingly but also rely on Bangladesh or Pakistan to lose both remaining matches. It’s a precarious scenario that highlights the unforgiving nature of World Cup qualification.
Ireland Sign Off With First Win, Eliminate Thailand
In the earlier fixture, Ireland finally opened their account with a convincing 46-run victory over Thailand. Batting first, they amassed a tournament-best 305 for 4, courtesy of quickfire fifties from Amy Hunter (76), Gaby Lewis (75), and Leah Paul (67* off 40). Thailand, despite being mathematically out of contention, fought valiantly, registering their highest ODI total of 259.
Louise Little’s stellar spell of 5 for 28 closed out the Thai innings, but not before Suwanan Khiaoto (59) and Thipatcha Puttawong added a spirited 71-run eighth-wicket stand.
Place your bets at JitaBet, JitaWin, and Jita88, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
Bangladesh and Pakistan are in prime position to claim the final two spots at this year's Women's World Cup – each have three wins from three at the Qualifier 💪
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 16, 2025
Round-up: https://t.co/nfKmhH0zJ7 pic.twitter.com/eyffqg3txn
Conclusion
Bangladesh Women now stand on the threshold of qualifying for their second consecutive ODI World Cup. With form, momentum, and leadership on their side, they’ve proven themselves not just as contenders but as a team that demands serious consideration on the global stage.
As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Nigar Sultana and her squad to see if they can convert this commanding position into qualification glory.
