Netherlands up against Bangladesh after UAE jolt

Overview

Netherlands Women v Bangladesh Women
Kampong Cricket Club, Utrecht
Match 7, WT20Q 2018
Sunday, 8 July, 14:00 GMT, 16:00 Local

Bangladesh, the highest-ranked team at the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier 2018, will be high on confidence going into the second round of matches when they face the Netherlands on Sunday, 8 July.

Despite Sterre Kalis' unbeaten 88, the Netherlands lost out to the United Arab Emirates by six wickets courtesy Nisha Ali's match-defining knock. The home side put up a good show with the bat, but their bowlers failed to hold their nerves as UAE chased down the total in the last over.

The Netherlands will be particularly pleased with Kalis' batting display in the previous game, but they need more from their batters as a unit. Denise Hannema’s 23 was the next best score against UAE, and it will require more, especially against a strong team like Bangladesh, to give the bowlers a chance.

Bangladeshwereclinical against Papua New Guinea. A disciplined bowling performance led by Panna Ghosh’s 2/15 kept PNG to 84/6, and Shamima Sultana then led the way with a 36-ball 35 as victory was achieved in 14.5 overs for the loss of just two wickets.

Bangladesh will expect their bowlers to continue with their good work throughout the tournament, while an improved batting performance will help them become even stronger ahead of the tougher tests ahead.

Key players

Sterre Kalis (The Netherlands): The 18-year-old will be the focus. Her 88* from 68 balls against UAE was the highlight of the game, despite her team’s loss, as she scored 64 per cent of the total. The Bangladeshis will hope to see her back soon to maintain an upper hand.
**Panna Ghosh (Bangladesh):**The right-arm pacer made the difference against PNG. She restricted the likes of Kopi John, the opener, and Pauke Siaka, the captain, with her disciplined lines, and her knack for keeping opposition batters quiet is something the Netherlands will be aware of.

Squads

The Netherlands: Heather Siegers (c), Cher van Slobbe, Esther Corder, Caroline de Fouw, Babette de Leede (wk), Denise Hannema, Sterre Kalis, Lisa Klokgieters, Mariska Kornet, Juliet Post, Annemijn Thomson, Robine Rijke, Silver Siegers, Jolien van Vliet

Bangladesh: Salma Khatun (c), Fargana Hoque, Nigar Sultana, Ayasha Rahman, Lily Rani, Sanjida Islam, Sharmin Sultana, Khadija Tul Kubra, Shamima Sultana, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Panna Ghosh, Jahanara Alam