Tigresses smash records in WC qualifier opener
Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team didn’t just open their World Cup qualifying campaign — they rewrote history in the process.
In a stunning display of dominance against Thailand at the City Cricket Association Ground in Lahore, Bangladesh racked up record after record, led by a blazing century from captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti and a devastating double act from spinners Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdous.
A century that set the tone
Batting first, Bangladesh piled on their highest-ever ODI total — 271 for 3 — with Nigar smashing her way to a scintillating 101 off just 80 balls. Her century, reached in just 78 deliveries, is now the fastest in Bangladesh women’s ODI history, eclipsing Farzana Haque’s 156-ball effort against India in 2023.
Not to be outdone, opener Sharmin Akhtar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 94, as Bangladesh’s top order put on a clinical performance that left Thailand with an uphill battle.
Spin, spin, spin — and collapse
What followed was carnage.
Chasing 272, Thailand’s innings started with promise. The opening pair of Natthiya Buchatham and Chanida Suttiruang stitched together a tidy 38-run stand — the only moment of resistance in a one-sided contest. From there, it was a freefall.
Enter the spin twins — Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdous — who tore through the Thai lineup with surgical precision. Both claimed five-wicket hauls, a feat never before achieved by two bowlers in a single women's ODI innings.
Thailand were bundled out for just 93, handing Bangladesh a mammoth 178-run victory — the largest in their ODI history. Their previous best was a 154-run win against Ireland in November 2024.
Fahima finished with 5 for 21, while Jannatul was even more economical, taking 5 for just 7 runs. It was a performance that not only broke records but sent a strong message to their rivals.
A new chapter
“This win means a lot,” said skipper Nigar after the match. “It’s not just about the records — it’s about belief. We’re here to compete, and we’re here to win.”
Bangladesh’s next match is against Ireland on Sunday — a team they’ve beaten convincingly before. With momentum on their side and history in their rearview mirror, the women in red and green are poised to push even further.
If this opening performance was any indication, the Bangladesh women’s team isn’t just qualifying — they’re taking over.