Javeria and Abidi lead Pakistan to convincing win

Pakistan offspinner Javeria Khan took a career-best 3 for 20 to help her team skittle Bangladesh for 109 and win the tri-series opener comprehensively by seven wickets. Opener Nain Abidi scored 65 with 11 fours in the run-chase as Pakistan reached their target with 16 overs to spare.

Asked to bat, Bangladesh struggled from the outset as fast bowler Qanita Jalil made early breakthroughs, dismissing opener Ayesha Akhter and Shukhtara in quick succession. The hosts were reduced to 62 for 5, before Lata Mondal - who top-scored with 26 - and Shohely Akhtar took their team past 100 with a 38-run stand. However, Javeria triggered a lower-order collapse, during which Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for nine runs. The home team's capitulation does not augur well for their campaign for one-day status, and they are likely to face another stiff challenge against Sri Lanka, the third team in the tournament.

Pakistan, as a result of the resounding win, have a high net run-rate and five points to their name. The result provides them an ideal start for their preparation for the upcoming World Cup. They take on Sri Lanka Women - who beat West Indies women 3-2 at home recently - at the same venue on Saturday.