India Beat BD Tigresses by 18 Runs

Bangladesh suffered an 18-run defeat today on the W.A.C.A. ground in Perth against India in their ICC T20 World Cup opener.

Coming in to chase a challenging 142 for six posted by India, the Tigresses never looked to be in control of the game.

Bangladesh lost Shamima Sultana in the second over with just five runs on the board. Murshida Khatun played some good looking shots but the left-hander too fell in the eighth over after a 26-ball 30 that featured four boundaries. Nigar Sultana contributed with a 26-ball 35 in the middle but the Salma Khatun-led side lacked the firepower to overcome such a challenging total. For India, legspinner Poonam Yadav remained the most impressive with the ball, returning figures of three for 18. 

Earlier, India posted a challenging 142 for six after being asked to bat first.

India got off to a flying start, thanks to a quick-fire 17-ball 39 from Shefali Verma that helped India score 54 runs for the loss of just two wickets in the first powerplay. After Shefali's dismissal in the sixth over, Jemimah Rodrigues contributed with a 37-ball 34 in the middle. For the Tigresses, both Salma Khatun and Panna Ghosh returned figures of two for 25. 

Bangladesh have won the toss and elected to field against India in their first match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Perth today. 

This is Bangladesh's first match while India, after having beaten defending champions Australia in the tournament opener, will be playing their second match. The group also features New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The Lankans had, earlier in the day, ran Australia close but eventually lost after having lost their first match against the New Zealanders.

The other group features England, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan and Thailand. Two teams from each group will move into the semifinals.