Tigresses make giant stride to T20 WC Qualifier semis

DHAKA, 20 Sept -Offspinner Shohely Akhter claimed a career-best 4

wickets for just 7 runs as the Bangladesh Women's team recorded their second
straight victory in the T20 World Cup Qualifier, having beaten Scotland by
six wickets at Abu Dhabi, UAE on Monday.

The Tigresses earlier in the first match whacked Ireland past by six wickets
and the hundred percent win record put them at favourable position to confirm
the semifinals.

They will take on USA Women's team Wednesday in their last game. The USA had already been eliminated from the semifinal race after losing both
of their matches.

Shohely's wily offspin skittled Scotland out for just 77 after they elected
to bat first. Only three batters of Scotland could reach double digit figure
with Lorna Jack making the highest 22. Wicket-keeper batter Sarah Bryce
scored 14while opener Alisa Lister contributed 12.

Nahida Akhter played a perfect foil to Shohely, taking 2 wickets for 12 runs.
Salma Khatun and Sanjida Akter Meghla took one wicket apiece.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty kept up her rich vein of form, scoring 34 off 43,
following her 53 ball-67 against Ireland as Bangladesh reached the winning
target of 78 in 13 overs, losing four wickets.

Nigar hit five boundaries in her match winning knock. Opener Murshida Khatun
scored 15 and Rumana Ahmed added 11.

For Scotland, Rachel Slater snapped up 2 for 13 and Katherina Fraser and
Hannah Rainey picked up one wicket apiece.

Two teams from each group will move to the semifinal and the two finalists
later will grab the opportunity to play the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be
held in South Africa from February 9. A total of 10 teams, including the two
teams from the Qualifiers will take part in the eighth edition of the Women's
T20 World Cup.