In doing so, Bangladesh Women enjoyed a fine opening result to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with an assured six-wicket win against Netherlands Women — the first appearance for this side at this tournament level, in Wednesday’s sole clash of the day staged under cloudy Birmingham skies. Bangladesh chased down the target of 140, scoring 141 for four in just over19 overs to take two points from Group one.

Batting first after winning the toss, The Netherlands managed 139 for 8 in their allotted twenty overs. Captain Babette de Leede made her way right to the front, working well with a calm and calculated half-century as she kept holding an end up while wickets fell off pretty regularly all around her A disciplined Bangladesh bowling unit also placed a leash on the Netherlands batters throughout, restricting them from driving home their advantage as they hoped to in the last few overs.

The Netherlands were appearing at a Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time and showed plenty of promise with bat in hand as well as in the field. With a total of only 139, it was never going to be an easy chase especially on a surface that aided both batters and bowlers.

The Bangladesh run-chase was anchored by a stunning performance in the 2nd wicket partnership, with opener Juairiya Ferdous scored at a good strike rate to pave the way for victory. Right from the start she started positively and punished loose deliveries, allowing Bangladesh to sit above their dipping required rate. Her dismissal relieved some heat on the middle order and had Netherlands bowlers reeling.

Bangladesh did lose a few wickets during the middle overs but an experienced hand from sharmin akhter kept her calm and guided Bangladesh through. Five balls to spare: those finishing touches wrapped things up comfortably, securing the easiest of starts for Bangladesh’s World Cup odyssey.

Bangladesh’s win gives them an early upper hand in a tightly-fought group, while the Netherlands will take numerous positives from a plucky effort on their tournament bow. Now both teams’ focus will shift to their next fixtures as the competition for one of four semi-final spots heats up.

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