Sports Desk:

Bangladesh’s hopes remain alive, but they must defeat Nepal on this Friday and rely on favourable results from other matches.

Bangladesh’s promising run in the U-19 Women’s Asia Cup hit a major roadblock as they suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat to India in the opening match of the Super Four stage on 19 December.

After a solid performance in the group stage, where they emerged as champions, the young Tigresses struggled to compete against the formidable Indian side in Kuala Lumpur.

Opting to field first after winning the toss at the Bayuemas Oval, India quickly exposed Bangladesh’s frailties. The Tigresses started steadily, with openers Fahmida Chhoya and Mosammat Eva adding 27 runs for the first wicket.

However, the breakthrough came when Ayushi Shukla dismissed Eva for 14 off 19 balls. Chhoya followed shortly after, scoring 10.

From there, Bangladesh collapsed, losing wickets at regular intervals.

The middle and lower order failed to stabilise the innings, with key players like Sumaiya Akter and Jannatul Mawa unable to make significant contributions. Mawa, the standout performer in the group stage, managed just four runs, while Sumaiya added only two.

A late flurry from Nishitha Akter Nishi (10) and Habiba Islam (11 not out) provided a slight boost, with Habiba striking a six and a four in the final over. Bangladesh could only muster 80 runs in their 20 overs.

India’s bowlers were clinical, with Ayushi Shukla leading the attack, taking 3 wickets. Sonam Yadav picked up 2, while Shabnam Shakeel and Mithila claimed one each.

Chasing a modest target of 81, India faced an early scare. Anisa Akter Soba struck twice, removing opener G Kamalini for a duck and dismissing Sanika Chalke for one.

However, any hopes of a Bangladeshi fightback were short-lived. Gangaadi Trisha and Nikki Prasad steadied the innings with an unbroken 59-run partnership.

Trisha was the star of the match, smashing an unbeaten 58 off 46 balls, featuring 10 boundaries.

Prasad added 22 off 15 balls, including two sixes, as India wrapped up the chase with 47 balls to spare. Trisha’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

Despite the heavy loss, Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the final are not over. They face Nepal in their last Super Four match on 20 December.