Bangladesh Women completed a clean sweep in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars group stage by thumping Malaysia by 90 runs on Wednesday at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, sealing top spot and momentum before the semi-finals.
The result barely mattered for qualification, which Bangladesh had already wrapped up earlier, but the manner of victory mattered plenty. This time, they played with authority rather than survival instinct.
Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh wobbled early once again. The top order struggled to settle, a recurring theme that still nags at this side.
Lata Mondal took control when it mattered. Her fluent 48 gave the innings shape and earned her the player-of-the-match award.
Shamima Sultana added a busy 30, while skipper Fahima Khatun chipped in with 29 to push the total to 151 for seven. A late cameo from Sadia added the final punch.
Bangladesh’s bowlers then ripped the game apart inside the powerplay. Fatema Jahan struck twice in quick succession and left Malaysia reeling at three wickets down for six runs.
From there, the chase never recovered. Tight lines and relentless pressure meant wickets kept tumbling without resistance.
Sharifa and Ishma kept squeezing until Malaysia collapsed to 61 for nine. Nur Arianna’s 22 only reduced the margin, not the damage.
The contrast with earlier matches stood out. Against Sri Lanka and Thailand, Bangladesh had sweated and scrambled, but this time they dominated every phase.
That control sends a clear signal before the semi-final. Bangladesh now face Pakistan Women on 20 February with three wins from three and growing belief.
Group champions with six points, Bangladesh arrive exactly where they want to be. The form line points upward, and the semi-final now feels like an opportunity, not a hurdle.
