Nahida stars as Bangladesh crush Indonesia in Asia Cup opener

Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter starred with the ball as Bangladesh began their Women’s Asia Cup T20 campaign on a winning note, beating Indonesia by 71 runs in their opening Group B match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE Monday.

Defending 129, Nahida claimed 3-15 in her four overs after pacer Marufa Akter removed both Indonesia openers early, helping Bangladesh bowl out their opponents for just 58 in 17.3 overs and secure a dominant victory.

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Earlier, Sobhana Mostary top-scored with 41 off 42 balls, while Dilara Akter made 27 off 31 before Shorna Akter provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 31 off just 18 balls to lift Bangladesh to 129-8 after they were sent in to bat.

Bangladesh lost opener Juairiya Ferdous for eight in the third over, but Mostary and Dilara steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Bangladesh struggled to accelerate through the middle overs, scoring at around six runs per over.

After Mostary and Dilara departed, Bangladesh were reduced to 105-5 in the 17th over before Shorna’s late hitting helped them add 24 runs in the final three overs and push the total close to 130.

Ni Kadek Ariani was Indonesia’s most successful bowler with 3-28, while Ni Luh Dewi claimed two wickets.

The total, though modest, proved more than enough as Bangladesh’s bowlers produced a clinical performance. Marufa struck twice early to put Indonesia on the back foot before Nahida and the rest of the attack maintained the pressure with wickets at regular intervals.

Indonesia never managed to build a partnership of substance, with opener Maria Corazon the only batter to reach double figures, scoring 12. Bangladesh eventually wrapped up the innings with 15 balls to spare.

Bangladesh will next face Sri Lanka on September 6 before concluding their group-stage campaign against hosts the UAE on September 8.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final set for September 13.