Bangladesh Opts to Bat First Against Malaysia in Asia Cup 2024 Clash

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bat against Malaysia, aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup 2024. After a loss to Sri Lanka in their opening match, Bangladesh rebounded with a seven-wicket victory over Thailand, keeping their knockout hopes alive. A win in this match could elevate them to second place in the points table, though their advancement will also depend on the outcome of Thailand's match against Sri Lanka later in the day.

"The wicket looks good, and we want to put a competitive total on the board," Sultana remarked at the toss. Bangladesh made a change by resting Marufa Akter and including the experienced Jahanara Alam in the lineup.

Malaysia, who also preferred to bat first, will now face the challenge of chasing. They made two changes to their squad, bringing in Nur Aishah and Irdina Beh Nabil in place of Dhanusri Muhunan and Amalin Sorfina. Despite losing their first two games, Malaysia still has a slim chance of reaching the semi-finals. To do so, they must win convincingly against Bangladesh and hope that Sri Lanka also defeats Thailand by a large margin.

Bangladesh Lineup:  

1. Dilara Akter  

2. Murshida Khatun  

3. Ishma Tanjim  

4. Nigar Sultana (captain, wicketkeeper)  

5. Ritu Moni  

6. Rabeya Khan  

7. Shorna Akter  

8. Rumana Ahmed  

9. Nahida Akter  

10. Jahanara Alam  

11. Sabikun Nahar Jesmin  

Malaysia Lineup:  

1. Winifred Duraisingam (captain)  

2. Wan Julia (wicketkeeper)  

3. Elsa Hunter  

4. Nur Aishah  

5. Mahirah Izzati Ismail  

6. Ainna Hamizah Hashim  

7. Aina Najwa  

8. Aisya Eleesa  

9. Irdina Beh Nabil  

10. Suabika Manivannan  

11. Nur Izzatul Syafiqa