ছবি: Tigresses Sweep Ireland - Photo: Collected
Bangladesh women’s cricket team concluded their three-match ODI series against Ireland with a resounding 7-wicket win in the final match on Monday, achieving a clean sweep. Having already secured the series by winning the first two matches, the Tigresses sealed their dominance with an emphatic performance in the third game.
The match, held at Mirpur, saw Ireland opting to bat first after winning the toss. However, their innings faltered as they were restricted to a modest total of 185 runs. In response, Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably with 12.3 overs to spare.
Bangladesh’s march toward a series whitewash became evident after a disciplined bowling display in the first innings. Opening bowler Marufa Akter Sultana struck early, dismissing Sarah Forbes for just 5 runs. Despite this setback, Irish captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter tried to stabilize the innings.
However, the Tigresses’ bowlers maintained tight control, preventing the Irish batters from building momentum. Hunter struggled to score freely and was eventually dismissed by Rabeya Khan after scoring 23 runs off 40 balls. By then, Ireland had only managed to reach 57 runs in the 20th over.
Lewis remained a lone warrior for Ireland, notching up a well-fought half-century. She partnered with Orla Prendergast to add 40 runs for the fourth wicket. However, her resistance ended when she was dismissed by Fahima Khatun after scoring 52 runs off 79 deliveries.
After Lewis’s departure, the Irish batting lineup crumbled. Prendergast scored 27, Leah Paul added 9, and Una Raymond-Hoey managed just 6 runs. Kelly and Alana Dalzell added some late runs, scoring 33 off 64 balls and 19 off 44 balls, respectively, but their efforts were insufficient to push Ireland to a competitive total.
Fahima Khatun was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming three wickets. Sultana and Nahida Akter picked up two wickets each, while Rabeya Khan and Swarna Akter took one apiece.
Chasing 186, Bangladesh did not have the best start, losing opener Murshida Khatun early for 8 runs in the fifth over. However, a 143-run partnership between Fargana Hoque Pinky and Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings and set the stage for an easy win.
Sharmin scored a fluent 72 off 88 balls before being dismissed by Arlene Maguire, who also claimed the wicket of Fargana shortly after. Fargana contributed a steady 61 runs off 99 deliveries.
The remaining task was completed smoothly by captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sobhana Mostary. Nigar remained unbeaten on 18, while Sobhana finished with 7 not out, leading Bangladesh to victory.
Ireland’s Arlene Maguire was the only bowler to make an impact, taking two wickets for 38 runs. However, her efforts were overshadowed by Bangladesh’s commanding all-round performance.
This series sweep highlights the growing strength of the Bangladesh women's cricket team as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
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