By Arjun 
Bangladesh were delighted in Birmingham as they launched their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a six-wicket win over the Netherlands, then celebrated Juairiya Ferdous’s debut heroics. The 17-year old made her global stage bow with a stunning fifty which helped Bangladesh achieve a record successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Bangladesh romped off to the start they needed when asked to chase 140. Openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter seized control early on as they aggressively stroked the ball to pile pressure on Dutch bowlers. They put on 67 without loss in the first eight overs, leaving Bangladesh well ahead of the required rate.
The star performer was Juairiya, whose unflappable poise belied her tender years. Her half-century came from 32 balls – seven fours and two sixes. Dilara had played the ideal supporting role with an opening stand that had set up what looked like a fairly straightforward chase.
Unexpectedly, Bangladesh found themselves losing the grip as their middle-order crumbled in a lurch losing board-load of wickets and handing over the contest once again to the Netherlands. Domestic stalwart Sharmin Akhter settled down with Shorna Akter as the ever-increasing pressure loomed over the other end.
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The pair then stood strong under pressure in the closing stages as Town edged closer to a famous win. They rotated the strike effectively and made the most of free balls, putting together an unbroken 50-run stand which took Bangladesh past their target, with five balls to spare.
The Netherlands had earlier opted to bat first and scored 139 for 8. Even though wickets kept falling at regular intervals, Captain Babette de Leede ended on a well played 50 off 45 balls in the front. The Dutch could only put 98 runs on the board before Marufa Akter led a disciplined bowling attack by claiming two for four from her three overs while Fariha Trisna also added early pressure with an economical third over.
Iris Zwilling and Silver Siegers rallied for the Netherlands but their total was never going to beat an inspired effort with bat and ball as Bangladesh started strongly on the World Cup path. Juairiya Ferdous debut will be remembered as one of the best moments of the initial stages of the tournament.