Shohely leads Bangladesh to semis on return

Bangladesh Women’s national cricket team off-spinner Shohely Akhter made her return memorable as she starred with a match-winning performance in Bangladesh’s six-wicket victory over Scotland in the Women’s World T20 Qualifier at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old, who played her first match for the national team since 2014 on Sunday, picked four wickets for seven runs against the Scottish as she won the player of the match.

With this win, Bangladesh confirmed their spot in the semi-finals with one match remaining against USA.

Batting first, Scotland were bundled out for 77 runs. After losing both the openers inside the powerplay, Scotland’s efforts to build momentum were cut short by Shohely. The off-spinner scalped three wickets in two overs in the middle and came back in the death to scalp one more to put Scotland on the back foot.

Scotland were 42/7 but a 29-stand between Lorna Jack and Rachel Slater took them to 77, with the former top-scoring with 22 runs.

Left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter picked up two wickets, while spinners Salma Khatun and Sanjida Akhter scalped one each.

In reply, Bangladesh lost opener Shamima Sultana in the second over but skipper Nigar Sultana stitched a 38-run stand with Murshida Khatun, and added a 22-run partnership with Rumana Ahmed to set up their
second win.

Nigar got dismissed after top-scoring with 34 off 43 balls, while Murshida and Rumana departed for 15 and 11 respectively.

Sobhana Mostary hit the winning runs, guaranteeing a spot in the semis for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh won their first match against Ireland by 14 runs on Sunday. They will face USA in their final match of the group stage today.