Koge, Denmark – Denmark Women got off to a winning start in the Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series by defeating Norway Women by 42 runs in the 1st match at the Koge Cricket Club on September 14, 2024. A stellar all-round performance by Nita Dalgaard, who contributed 15 off 15 balls* and took 3/10, earned her the Player of the Match award.
Denmark’s Inning: Steady Contributions Amid Early Wickets
Denmark Women, after opting to bat first, struggled to build momentum early in their innings. Line Ostergaard was dismissed off the first ball of the match, and regular wickets kept their progress in check. Maria Karlsen played a resilient knock of 30 off 57 balls to anchor the innings while Kathrine Brock-Nielsen contributed with a crucial 13 off 25 balls in the middle order.
The hosts found it difficult to accelerate but were aided by 27 extras, including 19 wides from Norway’s bowlers, pushing their total to a modest 98/6. Alina Aslam (2/18) and Lopamudra (1/9) were the pick of the bowlers for Norway.
Norway’s Struggle to Chase
In reply, Norway Women faltered in their chase of 99 runs, as Denmark’s bowlers kept the pressure on from the start. Anushka Gorad top-scored for Norway with a patient 13 off 40 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to support her.
Denmark’s bowling attack, led by Nita Dalgaard (3/10) and Anne-Sofie Slebsager (2/11), was relentless, reducing Norway to 56 all out in just 15.5 overs. Dalgaard’s superb spell, combined with accurate fielding, saw Norway lose wickets at regular intervals. Denmark wrapped up the game with a comprehensive victory.
Player of the Match:
Nita Dalgaard was deservedly named Player of the Match for her all-round display. She scored an unbeaten 15 off 15 balls and took 3 wickets for 10 runs in her 4-over spell, playing a key role in Denmark’s triumph.
Key Performers:
- Denmark Women:
- Maria Karlsen: 30 (57)
- Nita Dalgaard: 15* (15), 3/10 (4 overs)
- Anne-Sofie Slebsager: 2/11 (4 overs)
- Norway Women:
- Anushka Gorad: 13 (40)
- Alina Aslam: 2/18 (4 overs)
Brief Scores:
Denmark Women: 98/6 in 20 overs (Maria Karlsen 30, Alina Aslam 2/18)
Norway Women: 56 all out in 15.5 overs (Anushka Gorad 13, Nita Dalgaard 3/10)
Result: Denmark Women won by 42 runs
Denmark Women made a confident start in the T20I Quadrangular Series, securing a comfortable win and sending a strong message to their opponents. Norway, on the other hand, will look to bounce back in their next fixture.