Bangladesh’s flawless run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal has started yielding rewards beyond qualification, with several players making notable jumps in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Rankings.
Winning all seven matches, Bangladesh not only booked their ticket to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup but also stamped their authority as a rapidly rising force in women’s cricket. Their dominance was built on collective brilliance, with both bat and ball firing in unison.
🏏 Batting Brilliance Powers Bangladesh’s Rise
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty once again led from the front. Her calm yet determined performances under pressure saw her score 154 runs, helping her climb three places to 19th in the T20I batters’ rankings. Acting as the anchor, Joty allowed stroke-makers around her to play freely, showcasing sharp leadership and composure.
Opener Dilara Akter was another major gainer, jumping five spots to 65th. Her aggressive starts regularly unsettled opposition bowling attacks and gave Bangladesh early momentum.
However, the standout performer was Sobhana Mostary, who enjoyed a tournament to remember. Finishing as Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer and the second-highest overall with 262 runs, Mostary surged 16 places to 36th. Her powerful middle-order knocks played a crucial role in setting the tone for Bangladesh’s fearless brand of cricket.
🎯 Bowlers Step Up on Spin-Friendly Tracks
Bangladesh’s bowlers matched the batters stride for stride. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter thrived in Nepal’s spin-friendly conditions, picking up eight wickets and rising eight places to 28th in the bowlers’ rankings. Her clever variations and consistent control made run-scoring extremely difficult for opponents.
🌟 Standout Performers from Other Nations
While Bangladesh dominated the headlines, the qualifier also produced strong individual performances from other teams:
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🇮🇪 Ireland: Seamers impressed, with Arlene Kelly climbing seven places to 36th, while Orla Prendergast jumped 10 spots to 45th after a series of disciplined spells.
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🏴 Scotland: Qualification was driven by a breakout campaign from 20-year-old all-rounder Katherine Fraser. She scored 184 runs and claimed eight wickets, moving up seven places to 37th among bowlers and rising to joint 22nd in the all-rounders’ rankings—a clear sign of a bright future.
🚀 Bangladesh No Longer Underdogs
Bangladesh’s ranking surge reflects more than just one successful tournament. Under Joty’s leadership, the side has evolved into a balanced, confident unit, blending experience with emerging talent.
Their adaptability in tough Nepalese conditions stood out—whether it was a narrow 9-run win against Ireland or a commanding 90-run victory over Scotland, Bangladesh displayed growing tactical maturity.
With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup firmly in sight, Bangladesh now step onto the global stage with renewed belief. While traditional powerhouses remain strong, this qualifier has made one thing clear: Bangladesh are no longer outsiders—they’re ready to compete, disrupt, and dream big 🌟
