In a momentous occasion for Bangladesh women's cricket, captain Nigar Sultana Joty expressed her team's aspirations for greater achievements after securing a hard-fought victory against Scotland in Sharjah. This win marks a significant milestone, ending a decade-long wait for a Women's T20 World Cup match victory.
On the opening day of the 2024 tournament, Bangladesh triumphed over Scotland by 16 runs, posting a total of 119-7 in their 20 overs. Despite the seemingly modest score, the Bangladeshi bowlers showcased their skills, restricting Scotland to 103-7 and sealing the win.
Joty, who celebrated her 100th T20I appearance, described the emotional weight of this victory. "Winning after 10 years is incredibly emotional for us," she said. "We've been waiting for this moment for so long. No matter how well we play, it feels meaningless if it doesn't result in a win. This victory feels like a turning point for women's cricket in Bangladesh."
The captain emphasized the importance of creating momentum for the women's game in her country. "Now, it feels like we can dream of something bigger. Our fans and families back home are also dreaming of greater achievements for us," she added.
The significance of this win is amplified by the backdrop of political unrest in Bangladesh, which led to the tournament being relocated to the United Arab Emirates. Initially, the team had hoped to play in front of their home crowd, making the victory even more bittersweet. "It was heartbreaking to not play at home, but the support we received here was brilliant," Joty reflected.
In the match, Sobhana Mostary led the scoring for Bangladesh with a solid 36 runs. The bowlers, particularly Ritu Moni, who was named player of the match for her impressive figures of 2-15 from four overs, played a crucial role in securing the win against a determined Scottish side, despite Sarah Bryce's commendable 49 not out.
As the Tigresses look ahead, the belief in their potential to build on this momentum is palpable. With newfound confidence, they aim to establish a lasting legacy on the world stage, inspiring future generations of female cricketers in Bangladesh. The journey has just begun, and the dreams are bigger than ever.