The 11th South Asian Games have got under way in Bangladesh, with cricket making its debut as a Twenty20 Under-21 tournament. The hosts played in today's first match against Nepal.

Nepal won the toss and chose to bat first. Some tight Bangladesh bowling kept the Nepali batsmen in check, never allowing them to get a start. Sanjamul Islam was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/22 as Nepal were restricted to just 80/7 from their 20 overs.

The target was no trouble for a much more experienced Bangladeshi line-up, and they knocked off the runs in 9.3 overs to win by 8 wickets. Captain Mohammad Mithun led the way with 41 from 21 balls, whilst Asif Ahmed hit 26 from 18 balls to see his team over the line.

Nepal will be in action again tomorrow, taking on Sri Lanka, whilst the Maldives will play Pakistan in the second match of the day.

Bangladesh Under-21s beat Nepal Under-21s by 8 wickets.
Rajshahi, 31 January
Nepal Under-21s: 80-7 (20 overs, Sanjamul Islam 3-22)
Bangladesh Under-21s: 83-2 (9.3 overs, Mohammad Mithun 41)