Bangladesh made a winning start to the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy 2026 Asia Zone-2 (Women's Senior) with a commanding 33–20 victory over Nepal at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.
Alpana Akter led the hosts' charge with seven goals to earn the Player of the Match award as Bangladesh dominated their opening fixture on home soil.
The hosts went into the halftime break with a 13–9 lead before Spanish coach Ana Alonso's side stepped up their performance in the second half to secure a comfortable 13-goal victory.
Misti Khatun and Shyamoli Ming contributed six goals apiece, while captain Ismetara Nishi scored five and Sayma Jannat Sima added four. Masuda Akter netted twice, with Purnima Rani, Anuradha Pahan and Tasnia Rahman Arsha scoring one each.
Bangladesh also had to overcome an early setback when Sakiba Jannat received a straight red card. However, the hosts maintained their composure and continued to control the match despite being reduced to a player.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Alpana, who said the memory of Bangladesh's defeat to Nepal at the 2019 South Asian Games had remained with her.
“Honestly, I feel wonderful,” Alpana said after receiving the Player of the Match award. “We lost to Nepal back in 2019, and that frustration had stayed with me. I told myself that we were going to win. By the grace of the Almighty, that is exactly what happened; we pulled off the victory.”
Alpana said she encouraged her teammates to remain positive after Sakiba's dismissal.
“When Sakiba got the red card, our morale didn't break. I rallied everyone and said—no, even though she was sent off, we will avenge it by winning this match,” she said.
The match was Bangladesh's first international fixture under new head coach Alonso. Alpana believes the team's defensive organisation has improved under the Spanish coach.
“Our defense has improved significantly compared to before. Previously, our defensive line wasn't quite up to the mark. Now we are performing well on both ends—in defense and attack,” she said.
Bangladesh will face India in their second match as they continue their bid to reach the final of the four-team tournament.
Alpana expressed confidence ahead of the crucial encounter, saying the team would look to build on its opening performance.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this match; we all played exceptionally well. Tomorrow we face India, and we will definitely give our very best there too, Inshallah,” she said.
