Tigresses clinch ODI series against Ireland with one match remaining

Bangladesh Women’s cricket team sealed the three-match ODI series against Ireland with a game to spare, securing a comfortable five-wicket victory in the second match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Opting to bat first, Ireland posted 193-6, a total that Bangladesh chased down in 43.5 overs, finishing at 197-5.

Opener Fargana Hoque Pinky anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 89 balls, laced with six boundaries. Sharmin Akhter Supta, who had smashed 96 in the first match, added a solid 43. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty contributed a quickfire 40 off 39 balls, featuring four fours and a six, while Shorna Akter closed the game with an unbeaten 29 off 29 balls, finishing with a boundary.

Bangladesh stumbled early, losing opener Murshida Khatun for six. However, Fargana and Supta steadied the ship with an 85-run stand for the second wicket. After Laura Delany broke the partnership, Bangladesh suffered a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for 29 runs. Joty and Shorna then combined for a crucial 53-run partnership, steering the team close to victory. Despite Joty’s dismissal by Arlene Kelly, Shorna ensured the win without further trouble.

Ireland showed improvement from their 98-run total in the first ODI, with Captain Amy Hunter top-scoring with 68, supported by Orla Prendergast (37) and Laura Delany (33). Delany also claimed two wickets for her side.

For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun bagged two wickets, while Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter picked up one each.

Although the series win is secured, Bangladesh must win the third ODI and all three games in their upcoming series against the West Indies to secure direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.