Tigresses open Asia Cup with 71-run rout of Indonesia

Bangladesh made a commanding start to their Women's Asia Cup campaign, defeating tournament debutants Indonesia by 71 runs in Dubai on Monday.

Batting first after being asked to do so, Bangladesh posted 129 for eight in their 20 overs. Sobhana Mostary anchored the innings with a composed 40 off 42 balls, while Shorna Akter provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 31 from just 18 deliveries.

Bangladesh had reached 100 by the 17th over but lost wickets regularly through the middle phase. Shorna's late hitting, however, helped them add valuable runs during the closing overs and gave the bowlers a competitive total to defend.

Indonesia's chase never developed into a serious threat.

Marufa Akter struck twice early, conceding only six runs from her three overs, before Nahida Akter took control of the innings. The left-arm spinner finished with three wickets for 15 runs, breaking through Indonesia's middle order as the debutants struggled to maintain momentum.

Shanjida Akter Meghla and the rest of Bangladesh's attack kept the pressure on, with Indonesia eventually bowled out for just 58 in 17.3 overs.

The 71-run victory gives Bangladesh an ideal opening to their Group B campaign and two valuable points before their next major test.

For Indonesia, competing in their first Asia Cup match proved a steep challenge against a Bangladesh side with considerably more experience at this level.

Nahida's three-wicket performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

Bangladesh will now turn their attention to Sri Lanka on September 6, a considerably tougher examination of their ambitions in the tournament.

The victory may have been comfortable in the end, but Bangladesh's bigger objective remains unchanged: build enough momentum to go beyond the semi-final stage and challenge for the title.