Dubai, September 1: Bangladesh has made a remarkable start to its campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The team triumphed over Indonesia by 71 runs in a match held at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday.
After losing the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh managed to score only 129 runs, losing 8 wickets in the process. They lost their first wicket at a score of 16, with Juveira Firdous being dismissed early. Following this, Shobhana Mostari partnered with Dilara Akhtar to add 40 runs for the second wicket off 43 balls. Dilara scored 27 runs off 31 balls, hitting four boundaries before getting out.
Shobhana then collaborated with captain Nigar Sultana to add 26 runs for the third wicket and another 23 runs with Shorna Akhtar for the fourth wicket, helping the team surpass the century mark. Bangladesh lost Shobhana in the 17th over; she scored 40 runs off 42 balls, including one six and two fours. The very next ball saw Ritu Moni dismissed for a duck.
Shorna Akhtar later added 20 runs for the sixth wicket with Fahima Khatun. Shorna remained unbeaten at 31 runs off 18 balls, hitting one six and three fours. For Indonesia, Ni Kadek Ariyani took the most wickets, claiming 3, while Ni Luh Devi captured 2. Additionally, Ni Made Putri Suwandewi and Sofia Velik each took one wicket.
In response, Indonesia crumbled for just 58 runs in 17.3 overs. They lost their first wicket, Rahmawati Pangestuti, for 9 runs at a score of 19, after which the team fell apart like a house of cards. Maria Korajon was the top scorer for Indonesia with just 12 runs, as no other batsman reached double figures.
For Bangladesh, Nahida Akhtar was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs, while Marufa Akhtar claimed 2 wickets for only 6 runs. Sanjida Akhtar and Fahima Khatun each took one wicket.