Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket team stormed into the semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup outplaying Malaysia National Women’s Cricket team by 114 runs in their last Group-B match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Electing to bat first, the Tigresses piled up a mammoth total of 191 for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs and then restricted Malaysia to 77 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.
Bangladesh made a solid start with two openers Dilara Akter and Murshida Khatun put on together 65 runs in the opening stand before Dilara Akter was caught at the square leg by Aisya Eleesa off Mahirah Izzati Ismail.
After Dilara’s dismissal, Murshida Khatun and Nigar Sultana scored together 89 runs for the second wicket partnership before Murshida Khatun was caught at the short cover by substitute SM Dhanusri off Elsa Hunter when Bangladesh’s total was 154 for the loss of two wickets. After Murshida’s departure, Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed contributed together 37 runs for the unbroken third wicket partnership before Bangladesh’s innings came to an end.
Murshida Khatun notched up a terrific 80. Her 59-ball innings had 10 fours and a sixer. She was adjudged the Player of the Match for her superb innings.
Nigar Sultana remained unbeaten with 62. She hit five fours and two sixes in her 37-ball innings.
Dilara Akter made 33 from 20 deliveries featuring four fours and a sixer. Elsa Hunter and Mahirah Izzati Ismail took one wicket each for 27 and 35 runs respectively.
Later, Malaysia batter failed resist superb bowling attack of Bangladeshi bowlers. Elsa Hunter, Mahrah Izzati Ismail and Wan Julia were the three batters of Malaysia could reach the double digit figures scoring 20, 15 and 11 runs respectively.
Nahida Akter bagged a pair of wickets in the space of 13 runs, while Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin and Jahanara Alam took one wicket each instead of two, seven, 10, 17 and 20 runs respectively.
Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket team will face India National Women’s Cricket team in the first semi-final at the same venue on July 26.