Tigresses off to winning start

The Bangladesh women's team got off to a winning start in their ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier campaign after half-centuries from Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque were followed by a clinical display with the ball as they defeated Papua New Guinea by 118 runs in the opener at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground today. 

Papua New Guinea were never in the game after Bangladesh won the toss and posted 215 for the loss of six wickets in their 50 overs. PNG skipper Pauke Siaka top-scored with a 41-ball 32 and was the owner of one of just three double-digit scores along with Konio Oala (29) and Tanya Ruma (20). 

After being reduced to two for two by the Bangladeshi opening pair of Jahanara Alam and Panna Ghosh, the trio of double-digit scores took PNG to 77 for four, but when Venu Frank was trapped in front by Salma Khatun, it set off a collapse of six wickets for 20 runs as NG folded for 97 in 32.1 overs. 

Jahanara, Panna, Salma and Rumana Ahmed took two wickets each, while Khadija Tul Kubra took one. 

Earlier, fifties from Sharmin and Fargana enabled Bangladesh to post 215 for six in 50 overs.

Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh lost Sharmin Sultana early, but the second and third wicket partnerships kept the Papua New Guinea bowlers at bay. Salma Khatun’s 32 from 31 and Shaila Sharmin’s 20 from 28 balls pushed Bangladesh’s total past 200 in the end.

Sharmin made 56 from 86 balls. Her timely knock contained seven hits to the fence. Fargana faced 72 balls for her 51.

For Papua New Guinea, Ravina Oa, Mairi Tom and Sibona Jimmy took two wickets each. Ravina sent back Sharmin and Bangladesh captain Rumana Ahmed for 23 runs in 10 economical overs.