Bangladesh women's started their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign on a dismal note as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in Cape Town on Sunday.

Although pacer Marufa Akter gave some hope by picking up three early wickets to defend a modest 127 runs, however, Sri Lanka eventually scripted a comfortable win with 10 balls to spare, courtesy of an unbeaten 102-run stand for the fourth wicket between opener Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva.

Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 69 off 50 balls, with the help of eight fours and a six, while Nilakshi stood on 41 off 38 balls.

Marufa's ruinous spell suffered their counterpart vastly early in the innings as the Bangladesh seamer bowled a wicket-maiden in her first over following the removal of skipper Chamari Athapaththu on 15 runs. 

Marufa was on a hattrick in her next over when she excluded Vishmi Gunaratne with a return catch, and then bowled Anushka Sanjeewani in the next delivery, that limited Sri Lanka to 25-3 inside the Powerplay. 

Earlier, the former Asian champions managed a humble 126_8 opting to bat. 

Sobhana Mostary's 29 was the top score for the side, ahead of skipper Nigar Sultana Joty's 28 while opener Shamima Sultana added 20.  

Off spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe claimed 3-23 while Chamari Athapaththu picked up a couple for Sri Lanka. 

Bangladesh will take on defending champions Australia in their second group game of the World Cup on Tuesday.