EDINBURGH: Dilara Akhter’s magnificent half-century helped Bangladesh beat Netherlands by 13 runs in the rain-affected final of the Scotland T20 tri-series at the Grange Cricket Club in Scotland on Thursday.
In a match reduced to eight overs per team, Netherlands captain Babet de Leete won the toss and elected to field first, but the decision backfired as Bangladesh amassed a massive total of 98/3 in their allotted overs.
Right-handed opener Akhter, who led the way for them, scored a 26-ball 51 with 8 fours and 2 sixes, earning him the Man of the Match award.
He shared valuable partnerships with fellow top-order batsmen Juwairia Ferdez and Sobana Mostari, who contributed 13 and 11 respectively.
For the Netherlands, Mirthe van den Raad, Heather Seegers and Iris Zwilling can take one wicket each.
Chasing a tough target of 99 runs in eight overs, the Dutch team piled up 85/5 and suffered their third loss in the T20I series.
Netherlands captain De Leete was the top scorer with a 14-ball 30 with 5 fours. Apart from her, fellow top-order batsmen Heather Seegers and Robin Rijke, with 21 each, could amass double figures.
Ritu Moni and Fariha Trisna took 2 wickets each for Bangladesh.
The 13-run win meant Bangladesh ended the T20I tri-series on a winning note, while finishing second on the points table with two points less than Scotland.