Tigresses suffer heavy defeat in T20 World Cup warm-up

Bangladesh national women's team suffered a crushing 68-run defeat in their opening warm-up match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at the Loughborough University on Saturday.

Sent into bat first, New Zealand posted 193 for three in 20 overs after skipper Amelia Kerr made the highest unbeaten 51 off 28 balls. Izzy Sharp and Suzie Bates also made 46 and 45 runs respectively.

For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni took 2-36 while Nahida Akter took one wicket.

Bangladesh, in reply, failed to produce any fight and apart from Nigar Sultana Joty (32 off 33 not out) and Juairiya Ferdous (26 off 15), none could make any decent contributions as they were restricted to 125 for eight in 20 overs.

Off-spinner Nensi Patel was the top performer with the ball claiming 4-18 in three overs.

Bangladesh will play their second warm-up match against Ireland on June 9.

Bangladesh, who are pitted in Group A alongside India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and the Netherlands, will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on June 14 in Birmingham.