In the opening match of the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh women's team registered a record 154-run victory over Ireland, setting the highest margin of victory in their ODI history.
Winning the toss on Wednesday in Mirpur, Tigresses opted to bat first and scored 252 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
In response, Ireland was bowled out for just 98 runs, handing Bangladesh a comprehensive 154-run victory — their largest ever margin of victory in ODIs.
Previously, the highest margin of victory was 119 runs, achieved against South Africa in 2023.
The opening partnership between Fargana Hoque and Murshida Khatun started slowly, amassing just 27 runs in the first 10 overs of the powerplay. The partnership was broken in the 19th over when Murshida Khatun was caught off Laura Delany’s delivery, scoring 38 runs from 61 balls, including 5 fours.
Fargana Hoque followed soon after, dismissed for 61 runs off 110 balls, caught LBW off Aimee Maguire’s bowling.
Sharmin Akhter, who came in at number three, played brilliantly, forming a solid partnership with captain Nigar Sultana Joty after Murshida's dismissal.
The duo kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 61 runs off 64 balls.
However, in the 47th over, Joty was dismissed for 28 runs off 28 balls. With her departure, attention turned to Sharmin Akhter Supta, who was poised to score a century, becoming only the second woman cricketer to achieve an ODI century.
However, Supta was dismissed just short of her century. She made a brilliant 96 off 89 balls, including 14 fours, before being caught at mid-off by Arlene Kelly off Freya Sargent's delivery.
Despite her dismissal, Bangladesh finished with a record total, posting 252 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
This marks the highest total ever scored by the Bangladesh women's team in an ODI.
Previously, their highest was 250 runs, achieved for the loss of 3 wickets against South Africa in 2023.
Ireland's chase was hit early by Marufa Akter, who took two quick wickets off consecutive deliveries. In the third over, she first trapped Gaby Lewis in LBW, and then Amy Hunter was caught behind the stumps.
The early pressure proved too much for Ireland to recover from. Bangladesh’s spinners continued to dominate, further breaking down their batting.
The highest partnership of 38 runs came between Orla Prendergast and Sarah Forbes. This partnership was broken by Nahida Akter, who had Orla caught by Rabeya Khan for 19 runs off 34 balls.
Sarah Forbes was the top scorer for Ireland, making 25 runs off 51 balls before being run out. Laura Delany contributed 22 runs off 38 balls.
For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun and Nahida Akter each took three wickets, while Marufa Akter claimed two wickets.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
