England claimed a 21-run victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah to get their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign off to a winning start.
Openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge (41) and Maia Bouchier (23) made a steady start for England, putting on 48, after Heather Knight won the toss and elected to bat.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, namely Fahima Khatun (2-18) and Ritu Moni (2-24), made regular breakthroughs, dismissing the dangerous Nat Sciver-Brunt (2) and Knight (6) cheaply.
Nahida Akter (2-32) also contributed to Bangladesh’s attack as five of England’s middle and lower order batters fell in single figures as they limped to 118-7.
In reply, Bangladesh were quickly reduced to 17-2 with Charlie Dean (2-22) and Linsey Smith (2-11) striking early and removing their openers.
Sobhana Mostary (44) added resistance to Bangladesh’s middle-order with a 35-run partnership alongside her captain Nigar Sultana Joty (15) but was dismissed lbw by Dean.
Sciver-Brunt (1-20) and Sarah Glenn (1-22) also claimed the wickets, picking up one apiece as England defended their lowest-ever total in a Women’s T20 World Cup, restricting Bangladesh to 97-7.
England stumble against Bangladesh’s spinners
Bangladesh’s spinners were diligent during the powerplay, bowling 12 dot balls however Wyatt-Hodge managed to find the boundary five times during her 40-ball cameo.
Bouchier was dropped at point on 16 by Rabeya Khan costing seven runs but the Bangladesh all-rounder made up for her mistake two overs later after the England opener holed straight to mid-on.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (2) was trapped lbw by leg-spinner Fahima Khatun (2-18) cheaply while skipper Heather Knight (6) also failed to make an impact.
Wyatt-Hodge came down the wicket looking to attack but instead missed her shot and was stumped by Nigar leaving England 76-4.
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Bangladesh break England’s opening partnership as Maia Bouchier is caught out for 23 runs
Alice Capsey (9) attempted to reverse-sweep Fahima but was caught by Nahida at backward point.
Bangladesh continued their assault with Danielle Gibson (7) nicking left-arm finger spinner Nahida (2-32) behind and Dean (4) being stumped off pace bowler Ritu Moni (2-24).
Sophie Ecclestone (8no) hit England’s first maximum of the tournament, launching her first ball over long-on and was supported by Amy Jones (12no) to help add vital runs at the end of the first innings.
England take control
Off-spinner Dean (2-22) was the first to strike for England, trapping opener Dilara Akter Dola (6) leg-before in the fourth over.
Smith (2-11) helped reduce the opposition to 17-2 inside the powerplay after Shathi Rani (7) was caught at mid-off by counterpart Ecclestone.
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Charlie Dean gets England’s first wicket of the innings as Dilara Akter is trapped in front
Bangladesh’s skipper Nigar only managed to add 15 after she was run out by Smith.
Without their captain they collapsed, losing four wickets for 36 runs as Bangladesh’s lower-order struggled to make an impact.
Glenn bowled Shorna Akter (2) with a shorter ball that skidded on to the stumps while Smith picked up her second wicket in the form of Taj Nehar after she missed her swipe.
Ritu Moni’s stumps were disturbed by Sciver-Brunt’s cross-seam delivery that left Bangladesh 85-6.
Sobhana was Bangladesh’s main hope for a victory, top-scoring for her side with 44, but when she was trapped leg-before by Dean, their chances of a win quickly faded.
In the end, tailenders Fahima Khatun (5no) and Rabeya Khan (2no) struggled to get Bangladesh the 28 runs they needed from the final over.
Wyatt-Hodge ‘delighted’ with the win
“It was really nice to get out there and delighted with the win, pretty tough conditions,” said Wyatt-Hodge.
“We did well to get that total. A bit slow and a low surface, wanted to keep the intent and try and get as many runs as we could. You are better off just going for your shots and play with intent on that pitch.”
England play South Africa next and Wyatt-Hodge added: “Every game will be challenging so it’s really important that we learn from tonight and go again in the next game.”
Knight: It’s not going to be sexy all the time
“Conditions were pretty tough out there for batting and boundary hitting,” said Knight.
“Few little bits we can do better but a pleasing performance and glad to get the win. It wasn’t far off par. It’s not going to be sexy all the time. We have to minimise dot balls”
Ahead of South Africa, she added: “They had a convincing win the other night. They’ve got some world class players.”
What’s next for each side at Women’s T20 World Cup?
England face South Africa in Sharjah on Monday October 7 at 3pm while Bangladesh come up against West Indies on Thursday October 11. Both games will be live on Sky Sports.
Watch every match of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports, concluding with the final in Dubai on Sunday October 20.