SCOTS REACH SUPER SIX DESPITE BANGLADESH DEFEAT
Scotland suffered a narrow defeat to Bangladesh in their final Group D game, but the result did not prevent Super Six qualification as Australia defeated Nepal later on Wednesday in Malaysia.
Set 122 to win, Scotland were always behind the rate despite an outstanding 41-ball 43 from Pippa Sproul, and ultimately fell 18 runs short on 103-8.
Australia defeated Nepal by 83 runs in the final Group D fixture to ensure the Scots finished third in the group and reached the Super Six for the first time, where they'll face India and Sri Lanka.
After a dramatic and historic win over Nepal on Monday, Scotland were looking to build some momentum, and fielding first once again they built on their feel-good factor with the second ball of the innings, as Gabriella Fontenla struck dismissing Sumaiya Suborna.
Fahomia Choya and Juariya Ferdous added 26 for the second wicket, surviving a couple of close run out calls, before their running between the wickets proved costly, the former undone after the pair attempted a quick single to Niamh Muir at cover.
Muir was in the game again as Kirsty McColl struck to reduce Bangladesh to 37-3, the captain taking a smart catch in the ring to dismiss Sadia Islam (6).
Ferdous was looking to take on the Scottish bowlers, and slog-swept Kirsty McColl for six, before she was outfoxed by Nayma Sheikh, who turned one past her outside edge, allowing Sproul to complete the stumping.
Sheikh struck again to remove Jannatul Maoua, the Bangladesh batter chipping a low full toss straight to Pippa Kelly at mid-off.
Afia Era and Sumaiya Akter then led a Bangladesh fightback, looking to play positively as they added 38 in 33 deliveries; but Maisie Maceira made the crucial breakthrough, bowling Era for 21.
And she struck again just two balls later, Sadia Akter top-edging one straight up, with Sproul taking a steepling catch.
Sumaiya Akter continued alongside Habiba Pinky, taking their side to 110, before Ammy Baldie trapped Pinky (8) in front.
Bangladesh finished their innings on 121-9, Nishita Nishi run out on the final ball, as Sumaiya Akter finished unbeaten on an innings-best 29.
In reply, Emma Walsingham and Kelly started positively, putting on 19 runs for the opening partnership, their best effort in the three group stage games, and it took a superb delivery from Anisa Soba to dismiss Walsingham (11).
Kelly (8) fell just three deliveries later as Scotland's running between the wickets proved costly once again, Islam throwing down the stumps from backward point, leaving Kelly well short of her ground.
Niamh Muir and Sproul added 50 for the third wicket, both clearing the ropes with powerful strikes over the leg-side.
However, Pinky made the breakthrough in the 15th over, Muir (22) picking out Nishi behind square on the offside.
Nishi then struck herself, finding Sheikh’s outside edge to leave Scotland 70-4 in the 16th over.
Baldie (4) was the next to go, a mix-up in the middle leaving her and Sproul at the same end, as Scotland lost their third wicket for six runs.
Sproul then looked to move onto the offensive, striking Soba for back-to-back boundaries to move to 43 from 40 deliveries, but Soba exacted her revenge with a pinpoint yorker.
Sproul's dismissal ended Scotland's hopes of victory, Soba removing both Fontenla (1) and Speedy (5) cheaply, as Scotland finished on 103-8.
The Scots had a nervous wait while the Australians completed their win over Nepal, but can now look forward to two more blockbuster fixtures against full member nations in the Super Six stage.