Bangladesh Women made an impressive start to their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign, defeating tournament debutants Indonesia by 71 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After posting 129/8 in their 20 overs, Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Indonesia for just 58, with left-arm spinner Nahida Akter starring with figures of 3/15 to earn the Player of the Match award.
Sobhana and Shorna Lift Bangladesh
Indonesia captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini won the toss and chose to bowl first, with her side making an encouraging start by removing Juairiya Ferdous early.
Bangladesh rebuilt through a 40-run partnership between Dilara Akter and Sobhana Mostary. Dilara scored 27 before Ni Kadek Ariani broke the stand in the 10th over.
Sobhana continued to anchor the innings with a composed 40 from 42 deliveries, adding useful partnerships with captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Ritu Moni before Indonesia struck back late. Ni Luh Dewi claimed two wickets in one over, dismissing Sobhana and Ritu Moni to slow Bangladesh’s progress.
A late cameo from 19-year-old Shorna Akter proved decisive. She remained unbeaten on 31 from just 18 balls, hitting three fours and a six to guide Bangladesh to a competitive total of 129/8.
Ni Kadek Ariani was Indonesia’s standout bowler with figures of 3/28, while Ni Luh Dewi claimed 2/21.
Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate
Indonesia began the chase positively, with Rahmawati Pangestuti and Maria Corazon adding 19 for the opening wicket.
Marufa Akter broke the partnership by dismissing Rahmawati, triggering a collapse as Bangladesh’s bowlers took control.
Maria Corazon made 12, but regular wickets prevented Indonesia from building any meaningful partnerships. The lower order showed brief resistance, yet Bangladesh continued to chip away before bowling Indonesia out for 58 with 15 balls remaining.
Nahida Leads Bangladesh Attack
Nahida Akter was the pick of the Bangladesh attack, returning outstanding figures of 3/15 from her four overs.
She was well supported by Marufa Akter, who claimed 2/6 in an economical spell, while Sanjida Akter Meghla and Fahima Khatun also contributed with wickets.
The comprehensive victory gave Bangladesh an ideal start to the tournament, combining solid contributions from the middle order with a dominant bowling performance to secure a comfortable 71-run win over the Asia Cup debutants.
