Bangladesh Women continued their supremacy in the World Cup Qualifier, posting a commanding 34-run victory over Scotland to regain the summit of the points table. Having a game in hand, Bangladesh now needs one more victory to ensure qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, to be hosted by India later this year
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty led by example with a stunning unbeaten 83, her third successive 50+ score in the tournament. Not only did she drive Bangladesh to a solid total but also became the top run-scorer in the World Cup Qualifier to date.
Bangladesh Set Competitive Total with Key Partnerships
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After the loss of opener Ishma Tanjim in the early stage for her career-best double-figure score, Bangladesh recovered with a gritty 103-run second-wicket association by Sharmin Akhter (57) and Fargana Hoque (57). The efforts provided a foundation for Nigar Sultana to seize control of the innings during the second half.
Sultana, who came into the crease in the 30th over, scored a captain’s knock with a positive strike rate. She scored her fifty off only 39 balls, and she stayed not out on 83. Her calm innings featured a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Fahima Khatun, taking Bangladesh to a strong 270+ total.
Scotland’s Struggle in the Chase
Scotland, historically poor in chasing totals, faced a daunting target and crumbled early in their innings. Their chase started promisingly, but soon Marufa Akter struck by bowling Abbi Aitken-Drummond, marking her first wicket of the campaign.
Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce was caught by Nahida Akter, who also got rid of Pippa Sproul, leaving Scotland at 31 for 3 within eight overs. While Sarah Bryce (42) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 47-run association with Ailsa Lister, consistent breakthroughs from Bangladesh’s multi-skilled bowling attack kept Scotland under pressure.
Rabeya Khan and Jannatul Ferdus Shine with the Ball
Rabeya Khan struck with a crucial lbw to get rid of Megan McColl, while Jannatul Ferdus took out Sarah Bryce and Katherine Fraser, demonstrating her effect as an offspinner. Ferdus’ great spell took her to joint second in the tournament’s wicket-takers table, two shy of Hayley Matthews.
Even after the top-order collapse, Priyanaz Chatterji (61) and Rachel Slatter (61) put on 115 runs for the eighth wicket — a Scotland ODI record. Though their career-best efforts brought down the margin of defeat, Scotland were never really in the game. The late flourish did minimal harm to Bangladesh’s strong net run rate of 1.49 — the highest among the six teams in the World Cup Qualifier.
Ireland Open Account with Win Over Thailand
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Earlier in the day, in the first of the two matches, Ireland finally ended their losing streak with a 46-run victory over Thailand, earning their first win in the World Cup Qualifier.
Already eliminated from the qualification race, Ireland mounted a comprehensive batting effort, scoring 305 for 4 — their fourth-best ODI total.
Half-centuries by Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Leah Paul (67 off 40 balls)* propelled Ireland to the tournament’s first 300+ score.
Spirited Thai Chase Falls Short
Even though Thailand was 76 for 4 in an early chase, they displayed resilience in the form of a 90-run fifth-wicket partnership between Naruemol Chaiwai and Phannita Maya. They were able to take the game to the last over and scored their highest-ever ODI score in a losing cause.
Thailand’s tail, particularly Suwanan Khiaoto and Thipatcha Puttawong, provided additional resistance with a 71-run eighth-wicket stand. But Ireland’s Louise Little mopped up the tail, claiming three wickets from two balls and recording a career-best 4 for 28 figures.
Key Highlights – BAN vs SCO, IRE vs THA: World Cup Qualifier 2025
Nigar Sultana tops run charts with 83* vs Scotland.
Bangladesh sits atop the table with a net run rate of 1.49.
Scotland’s 115-run eighth-wicket partnership was the highest for the wicket.
Ireland scored 305/4 –the highest team total of the Qualifier to date.
Thailand is out, but it has the highest ODI score in spirited defeat.
Jannatul Ferdus moves into second in the tournament’s wicket-takers list.
What’s Next in the World Cup Qualifier?
Bangladesh looks set for another World Cup appearance, needing just one more win from their remaining two matches. Scotland, with only one match left, must beat Ireland and hope for other results to go their way to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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