Joty leads the charge as unbeaten tigresses close in on world cup spot

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty is enjoying a purple patch with the bat, delivering another blistering knock – a 59-ball 83 – to guide her side to a 34-run win over Scotland in their third match of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Lahore on Tuesday.

Supported by composed half-centuries from Fargana Hoque (57 off 84) and Sharmin Akhter (57 off 79), Joty's fireworks helped the Tigresses post a commanding 276 for six – their highest-ever total in Women's ODIs. The bowlers then held their nerve to restrict Scotland to 242 for nine, preserving Bangladesh's unbeaten run in the tournament.

Now one of only two unbeaten sides alongside hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh are edging closer to sealing their spot in the World Cup in India later this year. A win against West Indies on Thursday would confirm their qualification ahead of their final group-stage fixture against Pakistan on Saturday. Even if they fall short in their last two matches, their strong net run-rate of 1.494 keeps them well in contention to finish among the top two of the six-team competition.

Joty was once again the standout performer. Her explosive innings featured 11 fours and came at a strike rate of 140.67. The 27-year-old had earlier struck her maiden ODI century (101 off 80) in the tournament opener against Thailand, followed by a gritty 51 off 68 balls in Bangladesh's record chase of 236 against Ireland.

This is the first time in her international career that Joty has posted three consecutive scores of 50 or more. Her run tally of 235 runs at an average of 117.50 currently puts her at the top of the batting charts in the tournament. She also boasts the highest strike rate (113.52) among players who have scored at least 100 runs so far.

With the ball, left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter continued her fine form, returning figures of four for 40, while Jannatul Ferdus chipped in with two wickets to ensure Bangladesh maintained their perfect record.