Bangladesh Women Secure Crucial Win Over Scotland in World Cup Qualifier

With a 34-run triumph over Scotland, the Bangladesh Women's cricket team returned to the top place in the Women's ODI World Cup Qualifier points table. This victory positions Bangladesh firmly to guarantee their spot in the forthcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year. Fans following the action closely through platforms like the Billy777 were thrilled with the team's strong performance.

Now in third position, Scotland must win their last game against Ireland and rely on other outcomes to qualify. Their fate is no longer in their hands since only one game remains. Bangladesh must thus prove its place in the competition with one more victory from its remaining games.

Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter shine together alongside the Bat.

Another outstanding performance by Bangladesh's skipper, Nigar Sultana Joty, who scored her third successive fifty-plus in the qualifiers, powered their triumph. Her flawless 83 off just 59 balls drove Bangladesh to a challenging 270. Joty's bold deathovers guaranteed her team set a problematic aim.

Sharmin Akhter also maintained an outstanding performance, scoring 57 in three games—her second half-century. After rookie Ishma Tanjim was dismissed early, she developed a vital 103-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Fargana Hoque (57).

Bowling Struggles for Scotland Against Joty's Attack

The late-innings surge of Bangladesh proved challenging for Scotland's bowlers. Apart from Leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood, other frontline bowlers grabbed wickets but failed to stem run flow. Joty dominated every partnership, including a 61-run stand with Fahima Khatun that drove Bangladesh past 270.

The Uphill Chase Falls of Scotland Short Chasing 271, Scotland had a difficult chore ahead. Having only one of their seven past attempts, they have historically suffered in run chases. Abbi Aitken-Drummond was bowled by Marufa Akter in the third over, so starting their innings on a precarious basis.

By eliminating skipper Kathryn Bryce and Pippa Sproul and lowering their eighth-over score, left-arm spinner Nahida Akter severely damaged Scotland's prospects.

Sarah Bryce Fighting a Lone Battle

With a 47-run partnership, Sarah Bryce (42) and Ailsa Lister (18) offered some opposition, but Scotland kept losing wickets regularly. With Jannatul Ferdus and Rabeya Khan among Bangladesh's spinners, especially keeping the pressure on, Ferdus took two vital wickets, including Bryce's.

Late Resistance from Chatterji and Slatter

Even with the early fall, Scotland's lower order showed tenacity. Scotland's highest in ODIs for the eighth wicket, Priyanaz Chatterji (61) and Rachel Slatter (61), struck career-best half-centuries and stitched together a record 115-run partnership for that wicket. Their efforts came too late, and Scotland lost by 34 runs.

Although the margin of defeat points to a close struggle, Scotland never controlled the chase. Among all the sides in the qualifiers, Bangladesh's excellent net run rate (1.49) still stands first.

First Win Ireland Register Against Thailand

Ireland defeated Thailand by 46 runs in the earlier game of the day, their first triumph of the tournament. Both teams are formally out of contention for World Cup qualification, though.

Ireland Post Above Average Qualifier Total

At last, Ireland's batters discovered form, scoring 305/4—the first 300+ total of the qualifiers. Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Leah Paul each struck half-centuries; Paul's unbroken 67 from 40 balls offers a late flourish.

Though not among the contenders, Thailand's Fighting Spirit in Vain fought valiantly. Suwanan Khiaoto achieved her first ODI fifty as Naruemol Chaiwai and Phannita Maya contributed ninety runs for the fifth wicket. Though Thailand's ODI total of 259 was their highest-ever, Ireland's Louise Little (4/28) guaranteed they fell short.

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What comes next in the qualifications?

Bangladesh is about to qualify, so their next game will be very important. To keep its slender prospects alive, Scotland has to surpass Ireland and hope for good outcomes elsewhere. In the meantime, Ireland and Thailand will play for dignity in their surviving games.