Dhaka, July 11 -- Defending champions Bangladesh have got off to a flying start in the SAFF Women's U-20 Championship, trouncing Sri Lanka 9-1 in their opening match.

On Friday, Mosammat Sagorika bagged a hat-trick at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, while Munki Akther scored twice, and Sapna Rani, Sinha Jahan Shikha, Rupa Aktar, and Shanti Mardi each added a goal to seal a resounding win. Six of Bangladesh's nine goals came in the second half.

Despite the pitch being muddy and heavy due to recent rainfall, it did little to knock the young Tigresses off their stride.

The goal fest began in the second minute with Sapna Rani's spectacular free-kick that floated over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Three minutes later, Munki doub...