Shamima stars in Tigresses' convincing win against Thailand

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 Pniky 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.