In the 11th match of Group B, Bangladesh Women defeated Malaysia Women by a convincing margin of 114 runs. The match took place at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Bangladesh showcased their batting power with impressive performances from Murshida Khatun and captain Nigar Sultana, leading to a dominant 114 run victory over Malaysia in the Asia Cup on Wednesday (July 24). Murshida scored 80 runs off 59 balls, while Sultana remained unbeaten with 62 runs off 37 balls, setting a formidable total of 191/2. Malaysia struggled in response, managing only 77/8.

Bangladesh’s complete control

Bangladesh innings

Strong start: Dilara’s early impact

Malaysia managed to keep Bangladesh’s scoring in check for the first three overs, despite a couple of boundaries from Murshida. Dilara Akter initially took her time, scoring 5 runs from her first seven balls, but then hit a four off Suabika Manivannan. The tempo picked up significantly in the fifth over when Dilara hit a six and two fours off Aisya Eleesa, contributing to a 15 run over. Murshida added another boundary in the final over of the powerplay, giving Bangladesh a solid start.

Building the base: Murshida and Sultana shine

After a boundary each in the seventh over, Dilara was dismissed by Mahirah Izzati Ismail. Murshida and Sultana then formed a strong partnership, regularly hitting boundaries and targeting Ismail. The 14th over saw them strike three fours, and Murshida reached her fifty off 45 balls. Elsa Hunter bowled tightly, conceding only 17 runs in her three overs during this phase.

Big finish: Sultana’s late blitz

Murshida hit a four off Winifred Duraisingam, followed by a six from Sultana in the same over. Murshida reached her highest T20I score with a six off Hunter but was soon dismissed. Sultana then took over, hitting a flurry of boundaries off Suabika, including two fours and a six in the final over, to complete her fifty off 34 balls. Bangladesh posted their second-highest total in women’s T20Is.

Malaysia innings

Early struggles: Bangladesh’s tight bowling

Jahanara Alam gave Bangladesh an early breakthrough by dismissing Ainna Hamizah Hashim for a duck. Elsa Hunter managed four boundaries in the first five overs, but Wan Julia struggled, adding pressure. Hunter was eventually dismissed by Nahida Akter in the sixth over.

Middle overs: Regular wickets halt Malaysia

Despite not losing any wickets from overs 6-10, Malaysia’s scoring rate remained low. Wan Julia was dismissed by Ritu Moni for 11 runs, and Duraisingam fell to Nahida for 8 runs. Shorna Akter took Aina Najwa’s wicket in the 15th over, leaving Malaysia five down.

Death overs: Bangladesh secures victory

Bangladesh’s dominance continued as Malaysia only managed to avoid being bowled out, finishing their innings well short of the target. Rabeya Khan and Sabikun Nahar took wickets, contributing to a comprehensive win for Bangladesh, and sealing Malaysia’s exit from the tournament with their third consecutive defeat.

Player of the Match (Murshida Khatun)

Murshida Khatun was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance, scoring 80 runs off 59 balls. Her powerful batting laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s big total and played a key role in their victory.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana

“Definitely, a win always feel good. The way we batted, was wonderful. Consistency by batters has been pleasing, Murshida has done well, with ball, Nahida and Rabeya – very happy. We’re looking forward to play good cricket, execute game plans. I have belief in my team, I know how capable they are. Ball was coming on nicely.”