Bangladesh opened their Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable 71-run victory over debutants Indonesia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, driven by Shorna Akter’s late batting surge and a disciplined bowling performance.
Opting to field after winning the toss, Indonesia applied early pressure with disciplined line and length. Bangladesh struggled to accelerate during the powerplay, managing just 32 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Opener Dilara Akter laboured through her innings, scoring 27 off 31 deliveries before being dismissed, while captain Nigar Sultana contributed a brief 10 from 11 balls. Sobhana Mostary anchored the middle overs with a composed 40 off 42 balls, providing stability as wickets fell around her.
The momentum shifted when Shorna Akter arrived at the crease. She forged a vital 21-run partnership off 19 balls with Mostary before accelerating in the closing stages. Shorna smashed an unbeaten 31 off 18 deliveries—featuring three boundaries and a six—adding 17 runs off her final seven balls. Her late blitz propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 129 runs, despite four wickets falling for just seven runs at the other end.
Indonesia began their response brightly, reaching 19 without loss in 2.3 overs. However, pace bowler Marufa Akter dismantled the opening pair within the powerplay to halt their momentum.
Bangladesh’s spinners then dominated the middle overs. Vice-captain Nahida Akter spearheaded the attack with three wickets, supported by Sanjida Akter and Fahima Khatun, who claimed one wicket apiece. Indonesia were bowled out for 58, with opener Maria Corazon top-scoring with 12 runs off 13 balls—the only Indonesian batter to reach double figures.
Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in their next group match on 6 September as they look to build on their winning start.
