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run stand for the third wicket with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23) to power Bangladesh to 131 for three in 31.1 overs and help them begin on a winning note.

This was Bangladesh’s second win in the showpiece event -- the first also coming against Pakistan in 2022 in Hamilton.

After Marufa’s in-swingers stunned everyone by knocking over the stumps of Omaima and an in-form Sidra, Pakistan managed to put up some resistance through a 42-run stand between Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim. However, experienced left-arm spinner Nahida broke the partnership by removing both the batters in quick succession.

Nahida dismissed Muneeba (17), caught brilliantly at point by youngster Nishita Akter Nishi, before having Rameen (23) caught off her own bowling in the next over.

Pakistani batters -- Aliya Riaz (13), Sidra Nawaz (15), Fatima Sana (22) -- then tried hard to get their side back in the contest but Bangladeshi spinners took wickets at regular intervals to keep their opponents at bay.

Pakistan’s number nine Diana Baig made an unbeaten 16 off 22 balls but it still could not stop them from being bowled out for their lowest total at a neutral venue against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh started cautiously in the below-par run chase, losing Farzana Hoque Pinky (two) and Sharmin Akhter Supta (11) early.

However, since the arrival of skipper Joty at the crease, Bangladesh took a completely different approach, as both Jhelik and Joty struck Pakistani bowlers to all parts of the ground for boundaries, taking the Tigresses close to the 100-run mark.

Bangladesh did lose skipper Joty in the 25th over, but Jhelik stayed till the end, while Sobhana Mostary made an unbeaten 19-ball 24 as the Tigresses got over the line with ease.

Bangladesh will now travel to India, where they will face England in Guwahati in their second match on October 7. Bangladesh’s remaining six matches will also be held in India.