Bangladesh's women's cricket team reached the semifinals of the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Malaysia by 114 runs at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and posted a massive total of 191 runs for two wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
Dilara Akter and Murshida Khatun provided a steady start with a 65-run opening partnership. Dilara scored 33 runs off 20 deliveries including four boundaries and a six before being dismissed.
Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty then joined Murshida at the crease. The duo added 89 runs for the second wicket until Murshida was dismissed for 80 off 59 balls, which included ten boundaries and one six. This was Murshida's sixth WT20i half-century.
Malaysian bowlers struggled to make further inroads as Joty remained unbeaten on 62 off 37 balls with five fours and two sixes. Rumana Ahmed contributed six runs off 12 deliveries. This was Joty's eighth T20I half-century.
Mahirah Izzati Ismail and Elsa Hunter each took one wicket for Malaysia.
Chasing the daunting target of 192 runs, Malaysia lost opener Ainna Hamizah Hashim for a duck in the very first over. Her opening partner Wan Julia scored 11 off 25 balls before being dismissed.
The Malaysian batters struggled to form partnerships with captain Winifred Duraisingam getting out for eight runs, Elsa Hunter for 20, Aina Najwa for six, Aisya Eleesa for one, Mahirah Izzati Ismail for 15 and Suabika Manivannan for eight. Nur Izzatul Syafiqa remained unbeaten on two runs as Malaysia managed only 77 for eight in their 20 overs.
Nahida Akter took two wickets for Bangladesh, while Jahanara Alam, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin and Rabeya Khan each took one wicket.
Earlier in the tournament, Bangladesh lost their first group match against Sri Lanka by seven wickets but bounced back by defeating Thailand by seven wickets in the following match.
The Tigresses will face India in the first semifinal on July 26, while hosts Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in the other semifinal on the same day. The final will be played on July 28.
