Bangladesh Clinches 3-0 Women's ODI Series Victory Over Ireland, Enhances WC Qualification Prospects

Dhaka, Dec 2 (NationPress) Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque formed a 143-run partnership as Bangladesh defeated Ireland by seven wickets, clinching the series 3-0 and enhancing their prospects for direct qualification to the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.

In their previous match, Bangladesh’s spinners dominated, taking all ten wickets as Ireland managed a total of 185 in 50 overs. During the chase, they lost Murshida Khatun early on, but the partnership between Sharmin and Fargana for the second wicket set the team on the path to victory.

This remarkable partnership established a new record for Bangladesh in women’s ODIs for any wicket, surpassing the previous record of 127 runs set by Rumana Ahmed and Sharmin against South Africa in 2017. Sharmin scored 72 runs, maintaining her excellent form after previous scores of 96 and 43. Fargana contributed 61 runs, marking her third consecutive fifty, as Bangladesh easily completed the chase.

Aimee Maguire took two wickets in quick succession, dismissing the established batsmen, but it was too late for Ireland as Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary ensured a smooth finish, reaching the target with 12.3 overs remaining.

Bangladesh's 3-0 series victory carries significant implications for their direct qualification in the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 (IWC). The top five teams in the standings, along with hosts India, will secure direct entry to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Teams such as Australia, England, and South Africa have already qualified, intensifying the competition for the last two automatic spots following Bangladesh's series win.

Currently, Bangladesh is positioned seventh in the standings, revitalizing their hopes for direct qualification. With 19 points, they trail Sri Lanka (22 points) by three and New Zealand (20 points) by just one. Sri Lanka has completed their matches in this cycle, leaving their fate dependent on other results.

New Zealand, sitting sixth, faces a tough three-match series against Australia, while the West Indies, in ninth place with 14 points, have six games remaining, three of which will be against Bangladesh, providing an opportunity for Bangladesh to improve their standing.

In addition, Bangladesh has announced their T20I squad for the first two matches of the series against Ireland, starting on December 5 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Many regulars are retained, while Disha Niswas, Shamima Sultana, and Sarmin Sultana are listed as stand-by players.

Bangladesh squad (1st & 2nd T20Is): Nigar Sultana Joti (c & wk), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Jahanara Alam, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akhter Maghla

Stand-by: Disha Niswas, Shamima Sultana, Sarmin Sultana