Bangladesh opened their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 71-run victory over Indonesia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Put in to bat first, Bangladesh posted 129 for 8 in their 20 overs on a pitch that proved slow and difficult to score on throughout the match, before bowling Indonesia out for just 58.
Mostary and Shorna Steady a Shaky Innings
Bangladesh’s total leaned heavily on two contributions. Sobhana Mostary, playing her 100th international match, top-scored with a 42-ball 40 built around two fours and a six.
Shorna Akter injected late momentum with an unbeaten 31 off just 18 balls, striking three fours and a six to push the total past 129. Opener Dilara Akter added 27, while captain Nigar Sultana also chipped in, though Indonesia’s bowlers kept things tighter than the final total suggests. Ni Kadek Ariani was the pick of Indonesia’s attack with 3 for 28, including two wickets in the final over, while Ni Luh Dewi picked up two.
Nahida Akter Runs Through the Chase
Chasing 130, Indonesia never found their footing. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, Bangladesh’s vice-captain, was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 15 in her four overs, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Her spell effectively broke Indonesia’s innings apart in the 14th over, where she dismissed Ni Made Putri Suwandewi off a mistimed pull before bowling Ariani two balls later, sandwiched around a run-out at the non-striker’s end.
Marufa Akter backed her up with impressive figures of 2 for 6 from three overs, while Sanjida Akter Meghla and Fahima Khatun picked up a wicket apiece. Right-handed opener Maria Corazon’s watchful 12 off 13 balls was the only double-figure score of Indonesia’s innings, as the rest of the batting order folded under sustained pressure, with two further run-outs sealing the collapse.
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Where This Leaves Both Teams
The result puts Bangladesh in second place in the Group B standings. For Indonesia, playing their maiden Asia Cup campaign, the defeat marked a tough start, though captain Sakarini struck an upbeat tone afterwards, saying her side needed to be more ruthless against bigger teams and pointing to the fight her players showed as a positive sign heading into their next match.
FAQ
What were Nahida Akter’s bowling figures?
She finished with 3 for 15 from her four overs, earning Player of the Match honours.
What total did Bangladesh post, and how did Indonesia respond?
Bangladesh scored 129 for 8 in 20 overs, and Indonesia were bowled out for 58, resulting in a 71-run win for Bangladesh.
Who were the other standout performers in the match?
Sobhana Mostary (40) and Shorna Akter (31 not out) led Bangladesh’s batting, while Marufa Akter (2/6) supported Nahida with the ball. Indonesia’s Ni Kadek Ariani took 3 for 28.
Summary: Nahida Akter’s three-wicket haul led Bangladesh to a dominant 71-run win over debutants Indonesia in their opening Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 match in Dubai.
