Ritu Moni struck a fine unbeaten 67 as Bangladesh women’s cricket team picked up their second consecutive win in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Lahore Sunday.
The Tigresses had opened their qualifiers campaign with a thumping 178-run win over Thailand last Thursday, but this time they had to graft hard to beat Ireland by two wickets.
Batting first, the Irish women put up a fighting total of 235 for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs, thanks to a half-century from Laura Delany (63) and useful contributions from Orla Prendergast (41) and wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter (33).
Bangladesh leg-spinners Rabeya Khan (3/39) and Fahima Khatun (2/50) were among the wickets with the latter once again impressing after bagging a five-wicket haul against Thailand.
In reply, the women in red and green lost both their openers early before Sharmin Akhter (24) and captain Nigar Sultana Joty (51) steadied the chase.
Sharmin and Nigar added 52 for the third wicket.
But after their departure, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother at 94/5 before Ritu took matters in her own hands.
She first put on 45 vital runs for the sixth wicket with all-rounder Fahima (28) before stitching together another 40 for the seventh wicket stand with Jannatul Ferdous (19).
Ritu, who was not out in her career-best 61-ball knock - decorated with half a dozen fours and a six - then completed the run chase alongside Nahida Akter (18) as Bangladesh reached their destination with eight balls to spare.
Nigar Sultana and Co now lead the six-team standings with four points from two matches, same as hosts Pakistan, but with a superior net run rate.
Scotland are third with four points from three games while the West Indies are fourth with two points from as many outings.
Ireland and Thailand are winless having played three and two matches respectively.
Bangladesh will next take on Scotland this Tuesday before facing the West Indies and Pakistan Thursday and Saturday respectively.
Only the top two teams will qualify for the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in India later this year, where the hosts, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka already lie in wait.
7TH MATCH
Ireland women 235/8 (Laura 63, Rabeya 3/39) lost to Bangladesh women 240/8 in 48.4 overs (Ritu 67*, Nigar 51) by 2 wickets
