Juairiya stars as Tigresses clinch victory in T20 World Cup opener

Opener Juairiya Ferdous struck a blistering half-century as Bangladesh launched their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign in style with a six-wicket victory over the Netherlands at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday.

Chasing 140 for victory, Juairiya smashed 50 off just 33 balls, laced with seven fours and two sixes, to provide Bangladesh with a flying start. Sharmin Akhter Supta and Shorna Akter then ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding the side home with an unbroken fifth-wicket stand as Bangladesh reached 140-4 with one ball to spare.

The win was only Bangladesh's fourth in Women's T20 World Cup history.

Earlier, the Netherlands posted 139-8 after electing to bat, with captain Babette de Leede top-scoring with a composed 50 off 45 deliveries.

The Dutch innings received a late boost from Iris Zwilling (13 not out) and Silver Stegers (10 not out), whose unbeaten 23-run stand for the ninth wicket lifted their side after they had slumped to 116-8 in the 18th over.

For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-31, while Fariha Trisna, Shanjida Akter, Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni chipped in with a wicket each.

Bangladesh's chase got off to a blistering start as Juairiya and Dilara Akter added 67 runs in just 7.4 overs. Juairiya's innings came to an end shortly after she brought up her second T20I half-century.

The momentum briefly swung towards the Netherlands when captain Nigar Sultana Joty was dismissed off the very next ball, becoming Caroline de Lange's second wicket of the over. Dilara then departed for 26, while Sobhana Mostary was run out for four, leaving Bangladesh on 85-4 in the 12th over.

However, Sharmin (37) and Shorna (18) held their nerve, stitching together an unbeaten 56-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steer Bangladesh home. 

Bangladesh will next face Australia at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday.