Bangladesh began their Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 71-run victory over Indonesia, overcoming a slow start with the bat before producing a disciplined bowling display in Dubai.
Despite being kept under pressure for much of their innings by Indonesia’s accurate line and length, Bangladesh managed to post 129 runs. Sobhana Mostary provided stability during the difficult middle phase, while a late burst from Shorna Akter gave the innings the momentum it needed.
The total proved more than enough. Indonesia, making their first appearance in the Women’s Asia Cup, were bowled out for just 58, allowing Bangladesh to open their campaign with a comprehensive win.
Indonesia won the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and opted to bowl first. Their decision appeared justified early on, with Bangladesh losing their first wicket in the third over. The pressure continued through the powerplay, during which Bangladesh failed to score at six runs an over and reached 32 for one after six overs.
Sobhana and opener Dilara Akter then worked to rebuild the innings. Dilara struggled to find her rhythm but remained at the crease for 31 balls, scoring 27 before her innings ended. Captain Nigar Sultana also failed to make a substantial contribution, departing for 10 from 11 deliveries.
Sobhana continued to anchor the innings and was later joined by Shorna. The pair added 21 runs from 19 deliveries, although Bangladesh still found it difficult to accelerate consistently. Sobhana eventually fell for a composed 40 from 42 balls, leaving Shorna to take responsibility for the final stages.
Shorna responded in emphatic fashion. She added 17 runs from her final seven deliveries and finished unbeaten on 31 from just 18 balls. Her innings contained three fours and a six. While four Bangladesh batters collectively added only seven runs around that period, Shorna’s aggressive strokeplay ensured the team finished with a competitive 129.
Indonesia initially made a promising start to their chase. They reached 19 without losing a wicket after 2.3 overs, raising hopes of mounting a challenge. Bangladesh, however, quickly turned the match around.
Marufa Akter struck decisively during the powerplay, removing both Indonesian openers and putting the chase under immediate pressure. Bangladesh’s spinners then tightened their grip as wickets continued to fall.
Vice-captain Nahida Akter was particularly effective, claiming three wickets, while Marufa finished with two. Sanjida Akter and Fahima Khatun also took a wicket each. Indonesia’s batting line-up struggled to cope with the sustained pressure, with opener Maria Corazon top-scoring with only 12 from 13 balls.
The eventual total of 58 reflected Bangladesh’s control during the second innings. After surviving a testing period with the bat, the team’s bowlers ensured there was little opportunity for Indonesia to recover.
For Indonesia, the result marked a difficult introduction to the regional tournament. Their participation itself represents a significant step, but the opening match exposed the challenge of facing a more experienced Bangladesh side in a major continental competition.
Bangladesh will now turn their attention to a tougher assignment. Nigar Sultana’s side are scheduled to face Sri Lanka on 6 September, when they will look to build on their strong start and address the batting difficulties that surfaced against Indonesia.
