The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team has officially secured qualification for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Tigresses confirmed their place in the tournament on Wednesday evening, following the Netherlands’ victory over the USA, just hours after Bangladesh posted a commanding 39-run win against Thailand.
With five straight wins in the qualifiers, Nigar Sultana Joty’s team has been in unstoppable form. The win over Thailand propelled Bangladesh to the top of the Super Six standings with six points.
According to tournament rules, the top four teams from the Super Six stage will advance to compete in England and Wales during June and July. Alongside Bangladesh, the Netherlands also secured qualification.
Earlier at Mulpani Cricket Ground, Bangladesh batted first and posted a strong total of 165 for 8, marking their fourth-highest T20I score ever.
The innings began on a shaky note, with opener Dilara Akter dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball, followed quickly by Sharmin Akhter.
The tide turned thanks to a record-breaking 110-run partnership off just 82 balls between Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary.
Juairiya’s aggressive 56 from 45 deliveries included four sixes, equalling the record for the most sixes by a Bangladeshi batter in a T20I innings.
Sobhana contributed a match-winning 59 off 42 balls and was named Player of the Match. A late cameo from Ritu Moni (15 off 6 balls) helped set a challenging total for Thailand.
Thailand’s chase struggled from the start. Pacer Marufa Akter struck early, taking a wicket on the very first ball of the innings.
Despite a resilient 46 from Natthakan Chantham, Thailand managed only 126 for 8. Marufa finished with 3 wickets for 25 runs, while spinners Ritu Moni and Shorna Akter claimed two wickets each.
