The record second wicket partnership between Murshida Khatun and captain Nigar Sultana Joty helped Bangladesh secure a 55-run win over USA in their last Group match of the T20 Women's World Cup Qualifiers at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (Sep 21). 

With this, Bangladesh ensured all win record in group A- they beat Ireland by 14 runs in the first match and crushed Scotland by six wickets in the second match.

Bangladesh and Ireland however moved to the semifinal from Group A after being champions and runners-up respectively. 

Murshida and Joty put on 138-run for the undefeated second wicket stand, which steered Bangladesh to 158-1 after opting to bat first. 

Murshida was also the part of the previous record for second wicket along with Fargana Haque Pinky. They shared 78-run against Scotland in January this year in Kuala Lumpur.

Murshida who was adjudged player of the match, was unbeaten on 77. She played just 64 balls for here knock which included nine boundaries. 

Captain Joty was not out on 56 off 40, having blasted six fours and one six. Opener Shamima Sultana was the only batter to be out on 10.

Murshida and Joty paced the innings after the fall of Shamima and put Bangladesh in a position of dominance. 

USA's Snigdha Paul was the only bowler to give Bangladesh batters some torrid period as she finished with 1-24 in four overs.

Chasing the winning target of 159, USA were stifled by the disciplined bowling attack of Bangladeshi bowlers. They eventually were restricted to 103-3 in 20 overs with captain Sindhu Sriharsha making the highest 74 not out. Lisa Ramjit was the other notable scorer with 26 not out.

For Bangladesh, Nahida Akhter and Salma Khatun took one wicket apiece.

BDST: 1225 HRS, SEP 22, 2022
MN/SMS