Tigresses start series against India with defeat

India women's team drew first blood in the three-match T20I series with a seven-wicket victory against hosts Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

Smriti Mandhana (38) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (54 not out) stitched a 70-run third wicket partnership after an early hiccup as India cruised past Bangladesh's meagre total of 114 with 22 balls to spare. 

Shultana Khatun claimed two wickets for 25 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh failed to put up a fighting total against their formidable opponents in the series opener. A lack of batting firepower saw the Tigresses manage only 114 runs for five wickets in their share of 20 overs. 

Shorna Akter hit team-highest with a run-a-ball 28.

The second T20I will take place at the same venue on July 11.