Bangladesh Women’s Under-19 team confirmed the Asia Cup final berth after thrashing Nepal by 9 wickets in Super 4 phase clash at Kuala Lumpur today.
The young Tigresses will now take on India in the final, scheduled on Sunday at Kuala Lumpur.
Bangladesh asked Nepal to bat first and held them back to 54-8, after the match was reduced to 11 overs due to light rain.
Sabitri Dhami was the top-scorer for Nepal with 11 runs while no other player could reach double digits in the face of disciplined bowling of Bangladesh bowlers.
Opener Fahmida Choa who took one wicket led the charge with unbeaten 26 runs as Bangladesh reached 58-1 in 9.5 overs for a comprehensive victory.
Earlier in group phase, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka and Malaysia to confirm Super 4.
In the first match of the Super 4, Bangladesh tasted an eight-wicket defeat to India.
India, however, beat Sri Lanka by four wickets to seal final.
The final match will be a revenge mission for Bangladesh for their Super 4 defeat alongside securing the coveted trophy.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to field and immediately put pressure on Nepal. A combination of tight bowling and poor running between the wickets left Nepal struggling. Three of their first four wickets were run-outs within the first six overs.
Nepal’s highest partnership was a 19-run stand between captain Puja Mahato and Sabitri Dhami for the second wicket. Dhami, the only batter to reach double figures, scored 11 off 12 balls.
Farjana Easmin, Anisa Akter, Fahomida Choya, and Habiba Islam chipped in with a wicket apiece for Bangladesh.
Chasing a modest target, openers Fahomida and Mosammat Eva got the Tigresses off to a flying start. Fahmida struck boundaries in consecutive overs, while Eva hit the only six of the match in the fifth over.
The opening partnership of 46 runs ended in the eighth over when Eva was bowled by Kusum Godar for 18 off 21 balls. However, Fahomida guided her team across the finish line with an unbeaten 26 off 32 balls, alongside Sumaiya Akhter, who added 10 runs off six balls.
Fahomida was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance.
Match Summary:
Nepal U-19: 54/8 in 11 overs (Dhami 11, Mahato 9; Farzana 1/13, Anisa 1/10, Fahomida 1/14, Habiba 1/11)
Bangladesh U-19: 58/1 in 9.5 overs (Fahomida 26*, Eva 18, Sumaiya 10*)
Result: Bangladesh won by 9 wickets.
Player of the Match: Fahomida Choya
