DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Women's team got off to a winning start 
to the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier with a 21-run victory over USA at Upper 
Mulpani Cricket Ground in Nepal today.

Sharmin Akter Supta hammered a 39 ball-63 and Nahida Akter claimed 4-24 to 
play a vital role in Bangladesh's emphatic victory.

Thanks to Supta's knock, Bangladesh put on 159-5 after being sent to bat 
first. Her 63-run knock included eight fours and one six.
 
Supta anchored the innings after two openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya 
Ferdous Mour were dismissed, scoring 17 runs each. 

Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty also failed to come with the terms, being out on 
just 2 before Sobhana Mostary provided Supta a valuable support with 29 ball-
32.

Together they shared 63 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a platform of 
challenging total.

Mahi Madhaban was the most successful bowler for USA with 3-23 while Isani 
Vaghela took 2-27.

However, USA's chase was dented by brilliant bowling from Bangladesh bowlers, 
with Nahid leading the charge. Ritu Moni played a second fiddle to her with 
3-24 to further wreck havoc as USA managed to put up 137-9 in 20-over 
allocation before losing the game.

Opener Chetna Pagydyala top-scored for the side with 36 while Ritu Singh made 
33. Disha Dinghara chipped-in-with 23.

Bangladesh will take on Papua New Guinea, Namibia and Ireland on January 20, 
22 and 24 respectively in their next three matches of Group A.
 
The top three teams from Group A will advance to the Super Six stage, where 
they will face the top three sides from Group B.

The Group B included hosts Nepal, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Netherlands and 
Scotland.

The top four teams from the Super Six will, qualify for the ICC Women's T20 
World Cup, be held in England and Wales in June-July this year.