The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh conceded a huge eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the first Women Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka Monday.

Coin-favoured, Bangladesh women's team batted first and wrapped up their innings for paltry 94 runs in 46 overs. Opener Sathira Jakir appeared to be the highest scorer in the innings with 25 off 43 balls, including five fours.

Number four Ayesha Akhter 24 and tail ender Tithy Sarker 17 were the other two Bangladeshi eves to reach the double figures.

After a shaky start losing five wickets for 53 runs, the Bangladeshi eves could not come out of their batting wobble. They faced further trouble when four wickets fell in between just two runs leaving the team total at 68/9.

SP de Alwis did the major damage claiming three wickets for 13 runs while Kumarihami and Weerakkody bagged two wickets each.

In reply, the hosts sailed to victory as they scored the required 95 in just 19.3 overs at the loss of just two wickets of opener LDW Silva 2 and one down HASD Siriwardene 10.

Kumarihami and SP de Alwis did the rest for the Sri Lankan Women team putting up an unbeaten 59 in the 3rd wicket stand.

Kumarihami remained not out with 32 off 62 balls, including six fours, while de Alwis contributed an unbeaten 26 off 38 balls, featuring five fours.

Panna Ghosh and skipper Salma Khatun took one wicket each for 21 and 23 runs respectively.

In the day's another match at the Welagedara Stadium in Kurunegala, title contender India outclassed Pakistan by 182 runs to maintain their all-win record.

Earlier, Bangladesh conceded a humiliating 182-run defeat in their first match against India on Friday, but beat Pakistan by four wickets in the next match on Saturday to register their first win against any ODI side.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka made a good start in the tournament beating Pakistan by 96 runs in their first match on Friday, but suffered a 29-run defeat to all-winners India on Saturday.

The Bangladeshi eves will play the return match against India on Tuesday and the remaining two matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on May 8 and 9, all at the Dambulla Stadium.