In a commanding display of cricket, Bangladesh Women triumphed over Ireland Women by 154 runs in the first ODI of the Ireland tour of Bangladesh 2024, held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on November 27. Bangladesh’s robust batting performance set a formidable target of 253 runs, which Ireland struggled to chase down, ultimately bowled out for just 98 runs.
Bangladesh’s batting brilliance
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Women showcased their batting prowess throughout the innings. The highlight was Sharmin Akhter, who delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a blistering 96 runs off 89 balls. Her innings included 14 boundaries and was instrumental in building a solid foundation for the team. Alongside her, Fargana Hoque contributed significantly with a well-crafted 61 runs from 110 balls, providing stability at the top of the order.
The innings progressed steadily, with contributions from Shobhana Mostary (5 runs), Shorna Akter (13 runs) and captain Nigar Sultana (28 runs), ensuring that Bangladesh crossed the 250-run mark. The team finished their innings at 252 for 4 in their allotted 50 overs. The fall of wickets were well-timed, allowing for partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking without losing momentum.
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Ireland’s struggle continued with the bat
Chasing a daunting target of 253 runs, Ireland Women faced immediate challenges against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. The Irish batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing to score only 98 runs in 28.5 overs. The top-order collapse was evident as they lost both openers early; captain Gaby Lewis fell for just 5 runs, and wicketkeeper Amy Hunter went without scoring.
The only notable resistance came from Sarah Forbes, who scored 25 runs before being run out. However, wickets continued to tumble as Ireland struggled to build partnerships. The Bangladeshi bowlers were relentless, with Nahida Akter, Sultana Khatun, and Marufa Akter each claiming three and two wickets, stifled any hope of an Irish revival.
Bangladesh Women’s emphatic victory by 154 runs not only reflects their dominance in this match but also sets a positive tone for the series ahead. Sharmin’s outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match award, while the team’s collective effort with both bat and ball demonstrated their readiness for the challenges posed by Ireland.
