In the Women’s Asia Cup T20, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh registered comprehensive victories to confirm a place in the semifinals. Both matches were played on an action-packed Wednesday. Sri Lanka took on Thailand, and Bangladesh took on Malaysia. Both teams showed their skills by easily beating their opponents and moving forward in the tournament.
Bangladesh’s Big Win Over Malaysia
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had a fine win over Malaysia, securing a victory by 114 runs. Bangladesh chose to bat first, and that paid off. Opener Murshida Khatun batted very well to add 80 runs off 59 balls. Captain Nigar Sultana also batted well with 62 runs off 37 balls. The two laid the platform on top.
Murshida Khatun and wicketkeeper Dilara Akter put up 65 for the opening wicket to give Bangladesh a solid start. Once Dilara Akter departed, Khatun, along with Nigar Sultana, stitched another vital partnership of 89 runs for the second wicket. That partnership enabled Bangladesh to reach a big total of 191 for 2. The Malaysian bowlers had little clue how to deter the Bangladeshi batters, and their effort to restrict the score didn’t work.
When it was Malaysia’s turn to bat, they were troubled right from the first over. The Bangladeshi bowlers were too strong, and they restricted Malaysia to just 77 for 8 in their 20 overs. It was indeed a very fine performance from Bangladesh to ensure an easy passage into the semifinals. In the final group match of this tournament, Sri Lanka took on Thailand. Thailand opted to bat first but could only make out 93 for 7. The high point of the Thai innings was wicketkeeper-batsman Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who played an innings of 47 runs off 53 balls. All her efforts could not challenge a strong team like Sri Lanka.
The bowling performance was up to the mark by the Sri Lankan bowlers, and among those, off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari proved to be most exceptional with 2 wickets for just 13 runs. The disciplined bowling never allowed Thailand to gain any momentum in posting a competitive score.
Sri Lanka Openers Lead the Way
Chasing 94 to win, the Sri Lankan openers made it look easy. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the charge and, in the end, remained unbeaten on 49 while opening partner Vishmi Gunaratne scored 39 not out. Their partnership ensured that the Lankans coasted through to the target without losing any wickets for a facile victory. The Thai bowlers couldn’t make any difference as the Sri Lankan openers cruised through to victory with style. This strong performance by Sri Lanka not only secured their spot in the semifinals but also sent a strong message to their future opponents.
Looking ahead to the semifinals, some great matches are in store. Friday sees Pakistan take it up against Sri Lanka in what will be an exciting game. Then come defending champions India, who will play a great game against Bangladesh. Both matches are going to be keenly contested, as all four teams want to get to the final.
The Asian Women’s T20 Cup has referred to exciting cricket encounters. So far, the performances of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown truly great cricketing action, laying their skills and competitiveness on the field while playing their matches in the series. Very strong performances during the group stages bode well for an exciting finish to the tournament. Now, the fans wait for the semifinals in anticipation of more pulsating encounters and scintillating displays.
