Tigresses start title defence  with nine-wicket win

Bangladesh got their title defence of the Women's Asia Cup to a perfect start with a nine-wicket victory over Thailand in the opening fixture of the eighth edition of the tournament at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Shamima Sultana's 30-ball 49 propelled the hosts to the victory target of 83 for the loss of one wicket in 11.4 overs. 

Opener Shamima, who hit 10 fours in her essay, was bowled around her legs one run away from a richly-deserved half-century. Fargana Hoque remained unbeaten on 26 while skipper Nigar Sultana Joty was not out 10.

Earlier, Thailand elected to bat first after winning the toss. After losing two wickets for 16, opener Natthakan Chantham and Phannita Maya (coming at four) stitched together a stand of 38 runs of 37 balls in the third wicket.

However, the Tigresses' bowling attack came firing in cylinders afterwards. Rumana Ahmed's three-wicket-haul alongside a couple of wickets each from Nahida Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla and Shohely Akhter bundled out Thailand for 82 in 19.2 overs.