THE Under 19 Women’s World Cup got off to a spectacular start overnight, with not all results going as many would have expected. Groups A and D both got their campaigns underway, while Groups B and C start their campaigns tonight.

Group A

Bangladesh make statement, stun Aussies

Bangladesh proved it has come to prove the doubters wrong at this World Cup, recording a stunning opening match win over one of the tournament favourites, Australia. After the Aussies chose to bat first, they were only able to put 130 on the board before the Bangladeshis came in and reached the target with two overs to spare.

For the victors Marufa Akter and captain Disha Biswas both picked up two wickets, while Dilara Akter top scored with 40. Meanwhile for the Aussies Claire Moore topped the batting tally with 52, while Chloe Ainsworth topped the wicket taking tally with two wickets.

Sri Lanka get off to tense but perfect start

In the other Group A game Sri Lanka left its run late but got its campaign off to a perfect start, defeating the USA by seven wickets. The Americans batted first and hobbled their way to 9/96 off their 20 overs, before Sri Lanka took 19 overs to reach the tally, but had plenty of wickets in the shed.

For Sri Lanka it was Vishmi Gunarathne who topped the run tally with 34, while Dewmi Vihanga Wijerathne took three wickets and Vidushika Perera took two. Meanwhile, Bhumika Bhadriraju took two wickets for the Americans.

Group D

India defeat hosts to get tournament off and running

In the battle of Group D’s front runners, it was India who ultimately prevailed and got that crucial first win on the board. After the South Africans posted a very competitive 166 from their 20 overs, the Indians got it done with three and a half overs to spare and seven wickets in the shed.

For the victors openers Shweta Sehrawat (92 out out) and Shafali Verma (45) really set up the win for the Indians with the bat, while Verma also picked up two wickets. For the South Africans, not even a 61 from Simone Lourens was enough to ensure victory for the tournament hosts.

UAE wins battle of the minnows

In Group D’s other match, it was the UAE who saw off the Scots and picked up a crucial six-wicket win. Chasing 100, the UAE reached the tally with 3.4 overs to go.

Mahika Gaur topped the run tally for the victors with 33 not out, while Vaishnave Mahesh and Samaira Dharnidharka both picked up two wickets. Meanwhile Maisie Maceira picked up two wickets for Scotland and Emma Walsingham made 37 with the bat.

Day 2 Action

10am local (7pm AEDT) – Pakistan vs Rwanda and West Indies vs Ireland

1:45pm local (10:45pm AEDT) – England vs Zimbabwe and New Zealand vs Indonesia