Bangladesh women started their One Day International series against Ireland with a big 154-run victory at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Wednesday, riding on Sharmin Akhter’s 96 and a disciplined bowling effort.
The Tigresses opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 252 runs for four wickets, their highest-ever ODI total.
Opener Fargana Hoque anchored the innings with a steady 61 off 110 balls before Sharmin took charge.
Sharmin’s knock, featuring 14 boundaries, came off just 89 deliveries.
Murshida Khatun (38) and captain Nigar Sultana (28) also contributed well with the bat.
Ireland’s bowlers struggled to contain the hosts, with Freya Sargent (2/51) being their best bowler.
Laura Delany and Aimee Maguire chipped in with one wicket each, but the Irish attack lacked better bowling against Bangladesh's composed batting.
In response, Ireland faltered early in their chase of 253, losing Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter in the third over to pacer Marufa Akter.
Sarah Forbes (25) and Delany (22) attempted to rebuild but found little support as Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to dominate.
Sultana Khatun’s remarkable spell of 3/23 dismantled the lower-order, while Nahida Akter (3/23) and Marufa (2/18) maintained pressure.
Two Irish batters fell to run-outs, further underlining the visitors’ struggles.
The tourists folded for just 98 runs in 28.5 overs, sealing a comprehensive win for Bangladesh.
The second and third ODIs will take place in Mirpur on November 30 and December 2 respectively.
After the ODI series, both the teams will lock horns in a Twenty20 International series, beginning on December 5, with the second and third T20Is slated for December 7 and 9 respectively.
1ST ODI
Bangladesh 252/4 (Sharmin 96, Fargana 61) beat Ireland 98 in 28.5 overs (Sarah 25, Nahida 3/23) by 154 runs
