The Albany Gazette - Bangladesh, Pakistan win Women's T20 World Cup openers

On the opening day of the 2024 tournament, Bangladesh secured a 16-run win over Scotland after posting what appeared to be a flimsy 119-7 in their 20 overs.

Their bowling attack, however, tied the Scots down and restricted them to 103-7.

Later, Pakistan, who have never made it out of the group stages in eight previous attempts, beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs.

Pakistan made 116 in their 20 overs before restricting Sri Lanka to 85-9.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty described ending her team's long wait for a World Cup win as "very emotional" and suggested it would create "momentum" for the women's game at home.

"I would say that a win after 10 years, we all are very emotional because we have been waiting for this victory for a long time," said Joty who was playing in her 100th T20I.

"No matter how good the cricket we play, if it doesn't translate into victory, it means nothing. And I would say for women's cricket, after a long time, I feel like we have done something.

"We have always said about Bangladesh that we have to create momentum and then we will move forward with that momentum.

"Now it seems like we are going to dream of doing something bigger. Similarly, the fans and family who support us in Bangladesh are dreaming that we can do something better than that."

The momentum for women's cricket in Bangladesh would have had a far bigger boost had they been staging the event as planned.

Instead, weeks of widespread political unrest in Bangladesh, which eventually led to the installation of an interim government, saw the tournament switched to the United Arab Emirates, with Bangladesh remaining as nominal hosts.

"Initially it was very heartbreaking because we always bear in mind that we are going to play in front of our home crowd," said Joty.

"But still, the people who came here today, it was brilliant."

After winning the toss and batting first, Sobhana Mostary top-scored with 36 for Bangladesh.

Their bowlers then strangled newcomers Scotland in spite of Sarah Bryce's 49 not out from 52 balls.

- 'Achieved target' -

Ritu Moni was named player of the match for her spell of 2-15 from four overs.

Pakistan staged a determined fightback to beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs with left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal claiming three wickets.

Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail and player of the match Fatima Sana all took two each for Pakistan against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.

Pakistan needed a crucial lower-order knock from their captain Sana to post a competitive total, having slumped to 84-8 after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

"We won the toss and we wanted a lot of runs but we didn't get. We still achieved the target in the game," said Sana.

For Sri Lanka, Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 22 after Pakistan had lost opening bowler Diana Baig to a calf strain after just one ball.

On Friday, India take on New Zealand while South Africa face West Indies with both games taking place in Dubai.

India and Pakistan will face off on Sunday.

(R.White--TAG)