Mithali Raj produced a brilliant batting performance before Poonam Yadav bagged a three-wicket haul to help the Indian women's cricket team register a crushing 64-run win over Bangladesh in the opening match of Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground here on Saturday.
After being asked to bat first, openers Mithali (49*) and Smriti Mandhana (41) not only provided India with a solid start by sharing a crucial 70-run partnership, but also helped the team post a target of 119 runs in their stipulated 20 overs.
In reply, Bangladesh women failed to counter India's bowling attack and were eventually bundled out for mere 54 runs.
Sanjida Islam, skipper Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Jahanara Alam, Nahida Akter and Panna Ghosh all got dismissed for just one run.
Besides Poonam, Jhulan Goswami and Anuja Patil both claimed two wickets each while Ekta Bisht and Mansi Joshi also chipped in with a wicket.
Mithali was declared `Man of the Match` award for her pivotal contribution with the bat.
India will now lock horns with Thailand at the same venue on November 27.
