In a remarkable display of skill and athleticism, Bangladesh’s Fahima Khatun shone brightly during her team’s inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match against Scotland in Sharjah on Thursday (October 3). Khatun’s exceptional fielding prowess was highlighted when she executed a breathtaking catch to dismiss Darcey Carter, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.

A turning point in Scotland’s innings

The defining moment unfolded in the 15th over of Scotland’s innings. After Priyanaz Chatterji’s unfortunate runout, Carter entered the fray, joining Sarah Bryce at the crease. The pair looked to build a solid partnership; however, Ritu Moni had other plans. After starting her third over with a dot ball, Moni delivered a well-placed good-length ball around the off stump. Under pressure from the increasing run rate, Carter attempted a risky aerial shot to break the shackles, lofting the ball toward the boundary. This is where Khatun’s brilliance came to the fore, as she positioned herself perfectly near the long-on boundary, ready to pounce.

Fahima Khatun shocks Darcey Carter with an exceptional boundary catch

Khatun’s fielding effort was nothing short of extraordinary. As Carter swung for the boundary, Fahima sprinted back, timing her leap with remarkable precision. She leaped into the air, catching the ball cleanly over her right shoulder while ensuring her feet remained within the boundary. The execution of her catch was flawless, showcasing her awareness and agility in the field. This spectacular dismissal not only marked a significant moment in the match but also provided a much-needed breakthrough for Bangladesh, sending shockwaves through the Scottish camp. Carter’s stunned expression as she trudged back to the dugout was a testament to the impact of Khatun’s fielding.

Here’s the video:

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Bangladesh triumph over Scotland in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener

Earlier, Bangladesh batted first, scoring 119 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sobhana Mostary led the charge with a resilient 36 runs off 38 balls, supported by Shathi Rani‘s 29 runs off 32 balls. Ritu Moni played a crucial role with the ball, picking 2 wickets for just 15 runs in her 4 overs, earning her the Player of the Match title. In reply, Scotland managed to reach only 103 runs, losing 7 wickets. Bryce was the standout performer for the Scottish side, remaining not out on 49 runs from 52 balls. Nevertheless, they struggled to build partnerships, with Moni and Khatun’s bowling proving too effective for them. Eventually Bangladesh registered a solid victory over Scotland by 16 runs.

Also READ: Bangladesh beat Scotland to register their first win at the Women’s T20 World Cup

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.