Dhaka: All-round performance saw Bangladesh women team off to bright start as they recorded an overwhelming 118 runs victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their opening group B match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier held on Tuesday at Colombo Cricket Club ground.

Chasing a winning target of 216 runs set by Bangladesh; PNG found the chase too stiff, losing wickets at regular intervals and were cheaply dismissed at 97 in 32.1 overs, reports BSS.

Only three PNG batsmen — Pauke Siaka (32), Konio Oala (29) and Tanya Ruma (20) — able to reach the double figure in the face of tight blowing display by the Bangladesh bowlers. Ruman Ahmed, Salma Khatun, Panna Ghosh and Jahanara Alam all shared two wickets each giving away 13, 14, 20 and 27 runs respectively.

Earlier, brilliant fifties from Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque steered Bangladesh to score a decent total of 215 for 6 from their allotted 50 overs. Opted to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh lost Sharmin Sultana early, but the second and third wicket partnerships kept the Papua New Guinea bowlers at bay.

Salma Khatun’s useful 32 from 31 and Shaila Sharmin’s 20 from 28 balls helped Bangladesh’s total past 200 in the end. Sharmin contributed 56 from 86 balls that contained seven boundaries while Fargana faced 72 balls for her 51.

For Papua New Guinea, Ravina Oa, Mairi Tom and Sibona Jimmy bagged two wickets apiece. Ravina sent back Sharmin and Bangladesh captain Rumana Ahmed for 23 runs in 10 economical overs.

Bangladesh will play their second group match against strong Pakistan scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at P Sara Oval in Colombo.