Bangladesh decimate Nepal

The Bangladesh women's cricket team moved into second position in the Women's Asia Cup Twenty20 with a 92-run win over Nepal at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok yesterday.

The result, Bangladesh's largest margin of victory in a T20 encounter, was the Tigresses' second win on the trot after a 35-run victory over Thailand and took them to four points, two behind leaders India, who defeated Bangladesh in the opening game by 64 runs.

Sanjida Islam (35) and Nigar Sultana (39) set the platform for Bangladesh with a 71-run opening stand in 11.3 overs after Bangladesh had won the toss and opted to bat.

Shaila Sharmin scored 19, while Rumana Ahmed was unbeaten on 17 as Bangladesh reached 133 for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sangita Rai picked up two wickets for Nepal.

After the exchange, the Nepalese women seemed almost helpless as they found it nearly impossible to get runs in the face of some brilliant bowling. Opener Sita Rana Magar (15) was the only player who reached double digits as Nepal were bundled out for a meagre 41 runs in 17.3 overs.

Fahima Khatun was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, picking up four wickets for eight runs, which netted her the player-of-the-match award. Nahida Akter picked up two for two while Suraya Azmim, Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam, Panna Ghosh scalped a wicket apiece.

SCORES IN BRIEF

BANGLADESH: 133 for 4 in 20 overs (Sanjida 35, Nigar 39, Shaila 19, Rumana 17 not out; Sangita 2-31)

NEPAL: 41 all out in 17.3 overs (Magar 15, Barma 9; Fahima 4-8, Nahida 2-2)

Result: Bangladesh won by 92 runs.

Player-of-the-match: Fahima Khatun.