Bangladesh started Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant 5-wicket win

Bangladesh Women's Under-19 cricket team started their ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a thrilling 5-wicket victory. In their opening match of the tournament, Bangladesh bowled out Nepal for just 52 runs and successfully chased down the easy target with 40 balls to spare.

The World Cup, featuring 16 teams, began today in Malaysia. Bangladesh, placed in Group D, is up against Nepal, Australia, and Scotland. On the opening day of the tournament, Bangladesh secured a 5-wicket victory over Nepal.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first. Nepal's batters were helpless against the Tigresses' bowling attack, with only two players managing to reach double figures. However, Nepal's collapse was largely due to run-outs, with five of their batters dismissed in this manner.

Despite struggling throughout their innings, Nepal barely managed to reach 50, finishing at 52 runs. During this collapse, Janatul Mawa claimed two wickets, while Nishita Akter, Anisa Akter, and Fahmida Shoa shared the remaining three wickets.

Chasing a modest target of 53 runs, Bangladesh lost three wickets within the first three overs. In the very first over, opener Sumaiya Akter Suborna was dismissed for 4 runs. The next over saw Fahmida Shoa's wicket fall, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Juwayria Ferdous, who made just 2 runs. However, Captain Sumaiya Akter partnered with Sadia Islam, who scored 16 runs off 24 balls, to steady the chase.

After losing 5 wickets for just 41 runs, Bangladesh did not lose any further wickets. Captain Sumaiya Akter was dismissed for 12 runs, but Janatul Mawa and Afia Ashima Ira saw the team home to victory with ease. Bangladesh secured a thrilling 5-wicket win with 40 balls to spare.

Before entering the World Cup, Bangladesh's Under-19 Women's team was already in great form. Last December, they played in the final of the Asia Cup, and then defeated Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match for the T20 World Cup. In their next warm-up match, under the leadership of Sumaiya Akter, Bangladesh also beat last year's World Cup runners-up, England.

Bangladesh will next face Australia on January 20 and Scotland on January 22.