Tigresses stumble in World Cup tune-up

Bangladesh began their preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup on a disappointing note, suffering a crushing eight-wicket defeat to hosts Scotland in their opening match of the ongoing tri-nation series at the Grange Cricket Club Ground in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Asked to bat, Bangladesh managed 133 for five in their allotted 20 overs, with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty top-scoring with an unbeaten 46 off 39 deliveries.

Chasing a modest target, Scotland got off to a solid start through openers Darcey Carter (23) and Katherine Fraser (28), who laid the foundation with useful contributions at the top.

Although Bangladesh removed both openers, skipper Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Bryce ensured there were no further hiccups, sharing an unbroken 54-run stand for the third wicket to guide Scotland to 134 for two in just 15.4 overs.

The victory was Scotland's first-ever win over Bangladesh in seven meetings in the 20-over format.

Kathryn led the chase with an unbeaten 54 off 32 balls, striking four fours and three sixes, while Sarah remained not out on 23 from 15 deliveries.

For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni claimed one wicket apiece. Leg-spinner Fahima Khatun became the third Bangladesh woman cricketer, after Nigar Sultana Joty and Nahida Akter, to play 100 WT20I matches.

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Earlier, Bangladesh endured a poor start, losing three top-order batters inside the first nine overs and slipping to 46 for three.

Joty and Sobhana Mostary then steadied the innings with a 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sobhana contributed 22 off 22 balls before departing.

Joty later added another 33 runs with Shorna Akter, who scored a brisk 22 off 15 deliveries. However, Bangladesh's lack of firepower in the closing overs prevented them from posting a competitive total.

With the win, Scotland registered their second successive victory in the tournament, having beaten the Netherlands by nine wickets at the same venue on Thursday.

Joty and teammates will look to bounce back when they face the Netherlands in their next match on Sunday at the same venue.