Bangladesh stun Australia in U19 World Cup opening day

Benoni, Jan 14 Bangladesh produced a stunning result on the opening day of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, while UAE lay down an early marker against Scotland.
Bangladesh registered their first-ever win over Australia at any ICC tournament as an inspired run-chase saw the Tigers give an early indication of their title credentials with a shock yet convincing win.
Tournament favourites Australia recovered from two early setbacks, rallying to a competitive total of 130/5 after winning the toss at Benoni. Ella Hayward (35 from 39) and Claire Moore (52 from 51) steadied the ship with their partnership of 76 runs after Disha Biswas (2/25) had removed both of the openers cheaply.
In reply Bangladesh took the fight to the opposition with a strong top-order performance from Dilara Akter (40 from 42) and Afia Prottasha (24 from 22). Though Chloe Ainsworth (2/9) brought Australia back into the game, Sumaiya Akter (31 from 25) ensured that her side crossed the line with seven wickets in hand as Bangladesh reached their target with 13 balls still remaining.
Bangladesh had entered the tournament in fine form after strong performances in the warm-up matches. But this landmark and deserved victory over Australia is an early indication that the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup is going to be wide open, reported ICC.
In their Group D encounter against UAE, nothing went Scotland’s way after they were sent in to bat.
The Scots lost wickets at regular intervals and ended up posting 99/9 from their 20 overs. Indhuja Nandakumar (2/20), Vaishnave Mahesh (2/19) and Samaira Dharnidharka (2/22) were the pick of the bowlers, with Emma Walsingham (37 from 33) comfortably Scotland’s top-scorer.
UAE looked to have lost their way after a watchful start to the chase, as three wickets fell in the space of three overs to leave them 45/3 approaching the midway point of the second innings.
But Samaira Dharnidharka (23 from 27) and the impressive Mahika Gaur (33* from 25) moved up through the gears after that flurry of wickets, with Gaur still out in the middle as UAE reached their target with just under four overs still remaining.