Sanjida leads BD to win in Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars opener

Sports Reporter :

Bangladesh A Women’s Team registered 4 runs win over Sri Lanka A Women’s Team in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Saturday.

Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed 3-20 as Bangladesh A women’s team defended a meager 115 runs to seal a thrilling victory over Lankan Women’s A team.

Electing to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 115 runs in 19.5 overs, after experiencing a sensational collapse that saw them lost last six wickets for 34 runs.

In reply, Sanjida’s decisive bowling helped Bangladesh restrict Sri Lanka to 111-9 in 20 overs.

The openers Ishma Tanjim and Shamima Sultana gave the side a solid start adding 48 runs in the first six overs.

Sultana who made 17 runs was the first to go before Ishma lost her concentration, giving Sri Lanka two wickets in quick succession.

Ishma, however, made the team-best 30. Sarmin Sultana who scored 29 and Rubya Haider Jhilik (11) kept Bangladesh in the race for a big total before Sri Lanka struck back again.

The dismissal of those two batters left Bangladesh in an awkward situation as they felt like a pack of cards. Sachini Nisansala was the wrecker-in-chief with 4-14 while Sathya Sandipani and Malsha Shehani took two wickets apiece.

But Bangladesh wrestled back to leave Sri Lanka in tatters in pursuit of the small chase with Sanjida playing the vital role.

While Fahima gave the opening, Sanjida took the wicket of opener Sanjana Kavindi for 17 after she made a fluent start.

Sanjida then came back to dismiss Ama Kanchana (23) and Malsha Shehani to further stall the progress of Sri Lanka as Bangladesh snatched the victory from the jaws of the defeat.

Hansima Karunaratne was the top-scorer for Sri Lanka with 26. Fahima Khatun and Lata Mondol grabbed two wickets apiece to complement Sanjida.

Bangladesh will now face hosts Thailand in their second match on Monday, while Sri Lanka will take on Malaysia on the same day.