Indian eves record 72-run win over Bangladesh in World T20 opener

Indian women's bowling unit stepped up the attack after Harmanpreet Kaur's blistering knock to help the hosts kick start their World T20 campaign with a thumping 72-run win over Bangladesh here at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, captain Mithali Raj (42) and Vellaswamy Vanitha (38) provided a solid start as the duo stitched a 62-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Harmanpreet provided the thrust in the middle overs, scoring a brisk 40 off just 29 balls and was well supported by Veda Krishnamurthy (36 off 24 balls) as India made a daunting 163 runs for five in their stipulated 20 overs, the highest T20 target posted by the Indian eves.

In reply, Bangladesh batsmen's inexperience were exposed as they struggled against India's bowling attack and were restricted to 91 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

Nigar Sultana was the highest scorer for Bangladesh, striking 27 off just 25 balls.

For India, Anuja Patil and Poonam Yadav scalped two wickets each to put pressure on Bangladesh in their chase of a massive target.

Harmanpreet was declared as the Player of the Match for her match-winning contribution for the side.

The Indian women cricket team will play their next match against fierce-rivals Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on Saturday.