U-19 Women's Asia Cup: Bangladesh trounce Malaysia by 120 runs

Bangladesh have secured a resounding 120-run victory over Malaysia in the Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Chasing a target of 149 runs, the hosts were bundled out for just 29 on Tuesday, reports bdnews24.com.

Nishita Akter Nishi, who impressed against Sri Lanka with two wickets and the Player of the Match award, delivered another masterclass, grabbing a 5-wicket haul. Despite her outstanding performance, the Player of the Match award went to Jannatul Maoua for her steady, unbeaten 45-run knock.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Bangladesh began strongly with a 45-run opening partnership between Fahomida Choya and Mosammat Eva. Choya scored a quickfire 26, while Eva added 19 runs from 16 balls.

Although Sumaiya Akter and Afia Ashima failed to make an impact, Maoua anchored the innings and set the platform for a solid total. Towards the end, Sadia Akter injected late impetus to the innings with a brisk 31 off 19 balls, and together with Jannatul's run-a-ball 45, guided Bangladesh to a competitive 149/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Malaysia’s batting crumbled under the pressure of Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack. Opener Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun top-scored with 5 runs, while three batters were dismissed for ducks, and four others managed just 1 run each.

Nishita was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming 5 wickets for just 3 runs. She was ably supported by Habiba Islam (3 wickets for 5 runs) and Anisa Akter Soba (2 wickets for 5 runs).

The emphatic victory means Bangladesh, along with Sri Lanka, have qualified for the Super Four stage from their group. In the next round, Bangladesh will take on the other group’s qualifiers, India and Nepal.

MATCH SUMMARY

Bangladesh U-19 Women: 149/5 in 20 overs (Choya 26 (21), Eva 19 (16), Jannatul 45* (45), Sadia 31* (19); Daniel 4-0-25-2, Marsya 4-0-19-3)

Malaysia U-19 Women: 29 all out in 14.5 overs (Hairun 5, Nabil 3, Syafiqa 3; Nishita 3.5-1-3-5, Habiba 4-1-5-3, Anisa 4-1-5-2)

Result: Bangladesh won by 120 runs.

Player of the Match: Jannatul Maoua