Tigresses start strong

The Bangladesh national team began their ICC Women's World T20 Qualifier campaign on a high note as the Tigresses registered a comfortable eight-wicket win over Papua New Guinea at the VRA Cricket Ground in the Netherlands yesterday.

Bangladesh reached the modest 85-run target for the loss of two wickets and with 31 balls to spare.

Opener Shamima Sultana top scored for the side with 35 runs off 36 balls while Fargana Hoque remained not out on 17 to help clinch an easy win.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat Papua New Guinea's batters struggled to negotiate some tight bowling from Bangladesh and at one point were reeling on 39 for 5 inside 14 overs. Veru Frank scored a team-high 27 while Tanya Ruma remained not out on 23 to post 84 for 6 in 20 overs.

Medium pacer Panna Ghosh bagged two wickets while Jahanara Alam, Salma Kahtun, Rumana Ahmed and Fahima Khatun took a wicket each for the bowling side.

Bangladesh will take on hosts Netherlands in their second group match today.