Tigresses edge past Ireland to stay unbeaten in T20 WC qualifiers

Bangladesh continued their perfect run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, beating Ireland by nine runs at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on Saturday to make it four wins from four matches.

The Tigresses had already secured a Super Six spot with successive victories over the USA, Papua New Guinea and Namibia, and the win against Ireland ensured they finished atop Group A with eight points.

Against Ireland, a composed half-century from Sharmin Akter and a late blitz by Sobhana Mostary laid the platform before a disciplined bowling display sealed Bangladesh’s fourth straight group-stage win.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted 153 for seven despite an early setback. Opener Juairiya Ferdous fell for 11 off 10 balls in the third over with the score on 13. Sharmin then steadied the innings alongside Dilara Akter, the pair adding a vital 70-run stand in quick time.

Dilara scored 35 off 27 balls before being dismissed in the 12th over, while captain Nigar Sultana failed to make an impact, departing for a run-a-ball 13. Sharmin, however, made her start count, bringing up her half-century in 43 balls before falling two deliveries later for a well-made 52 off 45 balls, an innings that featured five fours and a six.

Bangladesh then suffered a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for just seven runs, including Sharmin’s dismissal. Sobhana Mostary provided the late impetus with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, striking one four and three sixes to push the total beyond 150 before being dismissed off the final ball of the innings.

For Ireland, Jane Maguire and Arlene Kelly claimed two wickets apiece.

In reply, Ireland made a promising start as Amy Hunter and captain Gaby Lewis put on 53 runs. Hunter later retired hurt, and Ireland reached 68 without loss after 10 overs. The momentum shifted in the 11th over when leg-spinner Shorna Akter struck twice.

Ireland attempted to rebuild through a 47-run partnership between Lewis and Laura Delaney, but Delaney was run out in the 18th over with the score on 118. Tight spells from Ritu Moni and Nahida Akter continued to apply pressure as the required run rate climbed steadily.

Ireland needed 43 runs from the final four overs. Although Lewis struck two sixes in the 19th over, Rabeya Khan removed the Irish skipper for a top-scoring 73 off 58 balls, effectively ending the chase. With 20 runs required from the final over, Marufa Akter conceded just 10 runs as Ireland finished on 144 for four.

Sharmin was named player of the match. With the victory, Bangladesh completed the group stage unbeaten and will now face all three qualifying teams from Group B in the Super Six stage.