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.”

What a comeback for Thailand as they kick off their Asia Cup campaign with a 22-run win in Dambulla. Malaysia was cruising at 83 for 1, on the brink of their first win over Thailand in T20s. But despite some sloppy fielding, Kamchomphu and the bowlers turned the game around, causing Malaysia to lose seven wickets for just 24 runs.

Putthawong made history as the youngest captain to win a match in the Asia Cup. Julia scored a fifty and held on, but got no support from the other end. Hunter’s wicket in the 13th over was the turning point.

Thailand’s innings

Powerplay: positive start despite early wickets

Nattaya Boochatham’s three boundaries off Ainna Hamizah Hashim set the tone for Thailand. Despite losing their openers, Nannaphat Chaihan and Boochatham, early, Thailand remained aggressive in the first six overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai and Phannita Maya’s boundaries helped Thailand reach 41/2 after five overs.

Middle overs: Ismail’s key strikes

Mahirah Izzati Ismail’s spell was crucial for Malaysia, as she took key wickets and kept the scoring in check. Koncharoenkai and Maya hit boundaries, but Ismail dismissed both Koncharoenkai and Chanida Sutthiruang, leaving Thailand at 95/5 in the 14th over.

Death overs: Thailand post a defendable total

With limited batting resources left, Thailand managed to reach a challenging total. Suwanan Khiaoto and Rosenan Kanoh took singles and twos regularly, with Kanoh hitting a crucial boundary, helping Thailand finish with over 130 runs.

Malaysia’s innings

Powerplay: steady start by openers

Wan Julia hit three boundaries in the first three overs, while Winifred Duraisingam also added a four. Although the start was watchful, Malaysia managed to keep up a decent run rate, reaching 36/0 in six overs.

Middle overs: pressure from Thailand

Malaysia’s openers rotated the strike but slowed down the scoring, allowing Thailand to apply pressure. After reaching 68, Duraisingam was bowled by Onnicha Kamchomphu, and Malaysia lost quick wickets. Despite a few boundaries, they needed 43 runs in the last five overs.

Death overs: wickets halt Malaysia’s chase

With a high required run rate, Malaysia succumbed to the pressure. Hashim’s run out and Julia’s dismissal after her fifty made it worse for Malaysia, as they kept losing wickets and ended up far from the target.

Player of the match (Nannapat Koncharoenkai):

“Very happy with the win. It was the first time the new captain was on board, First game is always exciting but there was also some anxiety, that’s why we saw some sloppy fielding. We have been pratcising for tough situations like today. “

Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 points table

In a move to promote women’s cricket and ensure widespread support, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup starting from July 19.

Details of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup

The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup is set to take place in Sri Lanka, with all matches hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The tournament, running from July 19 to July 28, will feature eight teams: Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand. This highly anticipated event will serve as a key competition ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

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Sri Lanka Cricket’s initiative

By offering free entry to all matches, SLC aims to fill the stands and create an electrifying atmosphere for the players. According to SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne, the board is committed to hosting a successful tournament that will elevate women’s cricket on the global stage.

“Sri Lanka Cricket, with the support of the Asian Cricket Council, is planning to conduct a highly successful tournament, as a successful outcome of this tournament will help advance women’s cricket on the world stage,’ said Ravin Wickramaratne in a press release.

Group Divisions and Fixtures

The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. The tournament will kick off with the UAE facing Nepal, followed by a high-stakes match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

India’s campaign kickoff

India, the defending champions, will begin their campaign against Pakistan. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. India’s dominance in the tournament, having won seven out of the eight editions, adds to the excitement and pressure for both teams.

Tournament Format

The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will feature a total of 15 matches, culminating in the final on July 28. The tournament’s T20 format is not only fast-paced and exciting but also serves as a preparation ground for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. Teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the global event.