Sri Lanka & Thailand Shine in Women's T20 Asia Cup Opener

Hosts Sri Lanka began their Women's T20 Asia Cup campaign with a victory over Bangladesh, winning by seven wickets. Despite early struggles, Bangladesh reached 111/8. Sri Lanka chased this down in 17.1 overs. In another match, Thailand defeated Malaysia by 22 runs, defending a total of 133/6.

Hosts Sri Lanka started their campaign in the Women's T20 Asia Cup on a high note, securing a seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh on Saturday.

After restricting Bangladesh to a modest 111 for eight, Sri Lanka chased down the target with 17 balls left, reaching 114/3 in 17.1 overs. Bangladesh struggled from the outset, losing three wickets for just six runs and slumping to 17/4 before captain Nigar Sultana steadied the innings with a valiant 48-run knock.

Shorna Akter's brisk 14-ball 25 pushed Bangladesh past 100, but Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshani, kept them in check. Vishmi Gunaratne topscored with 51, while Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 33 in Sri Lanka's chase. Earlier in the day, Thailand defeated Malaysia by 22 runs, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scoring with 40 and Malaysia's Mahirah Izzati Ismail impressing with the ball, taking 3/16, but her efforts were in vain as Thailand restricted Malaysia to 111/8.