DHAKA, April 28, 2024 (BSS)-Captain Nigar Sultana Joty's valiant half-century went in vain as Bangladesh Women's team suffered a 44-run defeat to India in the five-match T20 series opener today at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Opting to bat first, India Women's team amassed 145-7 but led by Renuka Singh they defied Joty's 48 ball-51 to restrict Bangladesh to 101-8, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Joty's fifty is the best score from the either side in the game on a pitch that appeared to be two-paced.

No batters from India could even hit half-century with Yastika Bhatia hitting highest 36. Opener Shafali Verma made 36 while captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 30.

Rabeya Khan claimed 3-23 for Bangladesh and Marufa Akter took 2-13.

Bangladesh's batting failure caused their defeat when it looked the total is chase-able. While Joty made 51 with five fours and one six, only two batters-Murshida Khatun (13) and Shorna Akter (11) could reach double digits.

The second T20 is on Tuesday.