Pakistan made a winning start in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy when they defeated Bangladesh Women by eight wickets in Ajman on Thursday.

Tuba Hassan took three wickets for 26 runs and her spin partner Nashra Sandhu two for 13 as Bangladesh were restricted to 108 for nine in 20 overs. Nigar Sultana scored 27 and Shorna Akter 21 not out.

Pakistan, in turn, reached 112 for two in 15.5 overs. Openers Sadaf Shamas and Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 37 and 16, while Muneeba Ali, batting at No. 3, scored 31 not out and Ayesha Zafar 27 not out as they added 44 for the unbroken third wicket.

Pakistan will now take on Thailand on Friday, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Zimbabwe on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Scores in brief:

Group B – Pakistan Women beat Bangladesh Women by eight wickets, Ajman

Bangladesh 108-9, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 27, Shorna Akter 21 not out; Tuba Hassan 3-26, Nashra Sandhu 2-13)

Pakistan Women 112-2, 15.5 overs (Sadaf Shamas 37, Muneeba Ali 31 not out, Ayesha Zafar 27 not out, Shawaal Zulfiqar 16)

Player of the match – Tuba Hassan (Pakistan Women)