Women’s T20 World Cup: Scotland lose to Bangladesh in tournament opener

Scotland suffered a 16-run defeat by Bangladesh in their first ever outing at a Women’s T20 World Cup.

Set 120 to win on a slow pitch and in humid conditions in Sharjah, Scotland were stifled by Bangladesh’s variety of spin options and could only manage 103-7.

Opener Sarah Bryce kept her side in the game with 49 not out but struggled for support as the middle order stuttered under the pressure of a chase.

There were also some early nerves from Scotland in the field, with three chances dropped amid a promising bowling effort to restrict Bangladesh to 119-7.

Sobhana Mostary top-scored with 36 for Bangladesh as they chose to bat first in unknown conditions, considering the infrequency of women’s cricket played in the United Arab Emirates.

Boundaries proved difficult to come by, particularly against spin, with all-rounder Saskia Horley taking three late wickets to keep the total to less than a run a ball.

The conditions suited Bangladesh, who expertly applied pressure on Bryce and her sister and captain Kathryn as Scotland’s most experienced players, with the latter falling to seamer Marufa Akter for 11.

Scotland failed to recover after the skipper’s departure at the end of the six-over powerplay, with Ailsa Lister the only other batter to reach double figures with only five boundaries managed in the entirety of their innings.

It is Bangladesh’s first T20 World Cup win since 2014, and their first ever away from home, and they next face England on Saturday, with Scotland up against West Indies the following day.