The Asian Cricket Council has this year opted to move to a three division format rather than a two division format for its regional tournaments, partly in a bid to reduce mismatches.

But the opening day of the ACC Women's Premier League made it look like mismatches were here to stay as Hong Kong and Nepal picked up big wins against Bhutan and Iran respectively.

Batting first after winning the toss in their match against Hong Kong, it would be safe to say that Bhutan struggled. Six batsmen were out for ducks, another three scored just one run, and Dechen Wangmo and Sonam Peldon were the only ones to reach double figures, scoring 23 and 19 not out respectively.

That Bhutan managed to score 80 was predominately down to some rather wayward Hong Kong bowling, with 29 runs coming in wides alone out of 35 extras. Chan Sau Ha was the pick of their bowlers with 5-19.

Hong Kong had very little trouble in reply. The opening pair of Yip Sze Wan and To Yee Shan put on 49, the former eventually going on to score an unbeaten 39 as Hong Kong recorded a nine wicket win in 18.1 overs.

Over at the Gymkhana ground, Nepal were put into bat after Iran won the toss, and the opening pair of Sobha Aale and Sita Magar put on 48. Sita Magar then shared in a 107 run partnership for the second wicket with Sarita Magar, which ended when Sita was out for 61, scored from just 50 balls.

Sarita was involved in another big partnership, this time for the fifth wicket, with Neera Rajopadhyay. The pair put on 72 before Sarita was out for 72, the top score of the match. Rajopadhyay went on to score an unbeaten 47 as Nepal scored 284-6 from their 40 overs, 69 of which came in extras, including 57 wides.

In reply, Iran were unable to even score more than the amount of extras they gave away. Roya Kaheni made the only score in double figures with 17 as Iran were bowled out for 63 runs in 30.5 overs. Sita Magar completed a fine all round performance by taking four wickets for just five runs.

The tournament continues tomorrow, with hosts Thailand taking on Bhutan, and China playing Hong Kong.

Hong Kong beat Bhutan by 9 wickets
Prem Oval, Chiang Mai, 11 February
Bhutan 80 (23.5 overs, Chan Sau Ha 5-19)
Hong Kong 81-1 (18.1 overs, Yip Sze Wan 39*)

Nepal beat Iran by 221 runs
Chiang Mai Gymkhana, 11 February
Nepal 284-6 (40 overs, Sarita Magar 72, Sita Magar 61, N Rajopadhyay 47*)
Iran 63 (30.5 overs, Sita Magar 4-5)