DHAKA, Oct 1, 2022 (BSS) - Bangladesh women's cricket team thrashed

Thailand by nine wickets to kick off their Asia Cup defence in style today at
the academy ground of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

     Opener Shamima Sultana was pivotal in effortless victory, smacking a
scintillating 30 ball-49 runs knock which studded with 10 fours.

     Thanks to her blistering knock, Bangladesh gunned down Thailand's paltry
82, making 88-1 in 11.4 overs. Shamima however was the only one batter to be
out when Thipatcha Putthawong dismissed her in the ninth over. But by then
Bangladesh was sniffing a facile victory.

     Fargana Hoque Pinky was not out on 26 off 29 after hitting two fours and
one six while captain Nigar Sultana Joty was unbeaten on 10.

     Earlier electing to bat first, only four batters of Thailand could reach
double digit mark with Phannita Maya making the highest 26. Natthakamn
Chantham scored 20, Rosena Kanoh contributed 11 and Sonnarin Tippoch added
10.

     Thailand actually was undone by the brilliant bowling of Rumana Ahmed
who snared 3-9. She was ably supported by Nahida Akhter, Sanjida Akhter
Meghla and Shohely Akhter who all took two wickets apiece.

     "The point is that even if we had batted earlier, we would have had to
bat in this approach. We knew if we can score close to eighty runs in 10
overs, then we can get a better collection in the remaining 10 overs. Because
we have to think about the next match. Preparation is key here. We did not
look at the score, we went according to our plan," Bangladesh captain Nigar
Sultana Joty said after the match. In the day's other match, Bangladesh's
main contender India also made a flying start, whacking Sri Lanka past by 41
runs at the same venue.

     Jemimah Rodrigues hammered a 53 ball-76; smashing 11 fours and one six
as India racked up 150-6 after being sent to bat first. Sri Lanka were bowled
out for 109 in 18.2 overs. Dayalian Hemalatha picked up 3-15 while Deepti
Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar grabbed two wickets apiece.