Dambulla (Sri Lanka), July 24: Powered by opening batter Murshida Khatun's 59-ball 80 runs knock, Bangladesh on Wednesday defeated minnows Malaysia by a huge 114 runs margin to enter the semifinals of the Women's Asia Cup 2024.
Bangla keeper Dilara Akter (33 runs in 20 balls) and skipper Nigar Sultana (unbeaten 62 in 37 balls) also contributed with the bat as they piled 191/2 in the allotted 20 overs.
Bangladesh opener Murshida Khatun was rightly adjudged as the Player of the Match.
Changing 192 in 20 overs against a well respected Bangladesh attack, was never easy for little experienced Malaysia. They could manage 77/8 in 20 overs, but ensured that they were not all out.
Earlier, India and Pakistan have entered the semifinals from Group A as the top two teams.
The final Group B match between hosts Sri Lanka and Thailand on Wednesday late evening will decide the final standings of Group B for the semifinals race.
Group A topper India will now face the second team of Group B, while Pakistan will clash with Group B topper.
As per expert predictions, India are likely to play Bangladesh in the semifinals, while Pakistan may face Sri Lanka. However, the semi line-up will be actually be clear after the Lanka-Thailand match.
Both the semi-finals will be played on July 26 (Friday), while the title clash is scheduled for July 28 (Sunday).
Brief scores:
Bangladesh Women 191/2 (20 overs),
Pakistan Women 77/8 (20 overs).
Bangladesh women won by 114 runs.
Player of the Match: Murshida Khatun.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka qualify for semifinals from Group B.