Captain Nigar Sultana Joty's valiant half-century went in vain as Bangladesh women's team suffered a 44-run defeat to India in the five-match Twenty20 series opener at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Sunday.
Opting to bat first, India women's team amassed 145/7 but led by Renuka Singh they defied Joty's 48-ball 51 to restrict Bangladesh to 101/8, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Joty's fifty was the best score from either side in the game on a pitch that appeared to be two-paced.
No batters from India could even hit half-century with Yastika Bhatia hitting highest 36.
Opener Shafali Verma made 36 while captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 30.
Rabeya Khan claimed 3/23 for Bangladesh and Marufa Akter took 2/13.
Bangladesh's batting failure caused their defeat when it looked the total was chaseable.
While Joty made 51 with five fours and one six, only two batters-Murshida Khatun (13) and Shorna Akter (11) could reach double digit.
1ST T20I
India women 145/7 (Yastika 36, Rabeya 3/23) beat Bangladesh women 101/8 (Nigar 51, Renuka 3/18) by 44 runs
