Bangladesh women stunned again, this time by Netherlands

Bangladesh's woes have compounded ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as they went down to Netherlands by 8 runs, a day after losing to tri-series hosts Scotland by 8 wickets in Edinburgh. Like Scotland, this was Netherlands' first-ever victory over Bangladesh in the format, ahead of their Group A clash - their tournament opener - at the marquee event next month.

After being put in to bat, Netherlands posted a competitive 162 for 5, built around an excellent all-round effort from Heather Siegers and contributions throughout the top and middle-order. The experienced all-rounder anchored the innings with 52 off 43 deliveries, and then returned to pick up 3 for 39 with the ball in a historic win.

The Dutch openers put on a 57-run stand before Phebe Molkenboer fell for 29, that included five boundaries. Siegers continued and stitched another 58-run partnership with Sterre Kalis (27-ball 28) to take their side past the 100-run mark. Skipper Babette de Leede's quick cameo worth 16, and an 18 not out from Robine Rijke propelled the side to a commanding finish at 162/5 from their 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Fariha Trisna was the pick of the bowlers with 2/26 from her four overs.

Bangladesh's unsuccessful chase was powered almost entirely by captain Nigar Sultana, who produced a superb 77 off 51 balls but in a losing cause. After the early dismissals of Dilara Akter and Sobhana Mostary left Bangladesh under pressure, Nigar counterattacked and kept her side in the contest with a flurry of boundaries. She found little support at the other end though. The required rate continued to climb in the face of regular wickets that robbed them of the momentum. After being a bit expensive early on, Siegers returned for the final over where she accounted for the Bangladesh captain - that was the final nail in the coffin - and two more lower-order wickets.

The turning point came in the closing stages when Bangladesh needed 30 from the final two overs. Despite Nigar's resistance, Netherlands held their nerve better. Siegers' match-winning knock and the final-over heroics earned her the Player of the Match award.

Brief scores: Netherlands 162/5 in 20 overs (Heather Siegers 52; Fariha Trisna 2-26) beat Bangladesh 154/8 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 77; Heather Siegers 3-39, Silver Siegers 2-24) by 8 runs