Bangladesh make a great start by beating Indonesia in the Asia Cup

Bangladesh women's cricket team has achieved the expected victory in its first match of the Asia Cup. Despite not being able to make a big total in batting, Nigar Sultana Jyoti's team defeated Indonesia by 71 runs thanks to the excellent performance of the bowlers.

Bangladesh won the toss and batted first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Indonesia was all out for just 58 runs in response to Bangladesh's bowling attack.

Bangladesh struggled from the start in batting. Juairia Ferdous Joyita returned for 8 runs in 7 balls in the third over. Then Dilara Akhter Dola and Sobhana Mostari put on a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. Dilara was stopped for 27 runs in 31 balls, including 4 fours.

Later, Sobhana put on a 26-run partnership with captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti in 26 balls. The partnership was broken when Jyoti returned for 10 runs in 11 balls. Sobhana finally scored 40 runs off 42 balls with 2 fours and 1 six.

Towards the end, Swarna Akhtar turned the momentum of Bangladesh's innings around. She scored an unbeaten 31 runs off just 18 balls with 3 fours and 1 six to give the team a fighting total. Off-spinner Ni Kadek Ariyani took 3 wickets for 28 runs for Indonesia.

Chasing a target of 130 runs, Indonesia was under pressure from the start. Marufa Akhtar made it easy for Bangladesh to win by taking two wickets in the power play.

Then, Indonesia's batting collapsed one by one in the whirlwind of spinners. Left-arm spinner Sanjida Akhtar joined Meghla and Nahida Akhtar for leg spin, while Fahima Khatun joined Nahida.

Nahida was the most successful. She took 3 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. Marufa took 2 wickets for just 6 runs in 3 overs, including a maiden. Meghla and Fahima got one wicket each.

Maria Corazon top-scored for Indonesia with 12 runs. No other batsman from the team managed to reach double figures.

Bangladesh got off to a great start in the Asia Cup with this win. Jyoti's team will face Sri Lanka in their next match on Sunday at the same venue.