Bangladesh women‍‍`s team clinches series with one match to go, eyes whitewash

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team has clinched the three-match ODI series against Ireland with one match still to play. 

Now, they’re looking to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the final match, while also securing direct qualification for the Women’s ODI World Cup.

The third match of the series took place on Saturday (November 30) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. 

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first. Ireland, batting first, managed to score 193 runs for 6 wickets, with Amy Hunter leading the way by scoring 68 runs. 

In reply, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target with 5 wickets in hand and 37 balls to spare. 

Farzana Haque top-scored for Bangladesh with 50 runs. This win meant Bangladesh had already won the series with one match to spare.

Ireland’s batting didn’t get off to a great start. They lost Sarah Forbes early in the fourth over, bowled out by Nahida Akter. The other opener, Gaby Lewis, couldn’t find her rhythm either, and Ireland was soon 35 for 2. 

However, Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast steadied the innings with a good 91-run partnership. Prendergast was run out for 37, breaking the stand.

Amy Hunter continued to fight on, but the support from the other batters was limited. 

Laura Delany added 33 runs before she too was run out for 37. Amy kept going, and despite losing partners, she remained the backbone of the innings, eventually getting out for 68 runs off 88 balls, including 8 boundaries. Shorna Akter bowled her out, getting Amy LBW. 

Bangladesh’s Sultana picked up 2 wickets for 32 runs, while Nahida Akter and Swarna Akter took 1 wicket each.

When Bangladesh came out to chase, their openers Farzana Haque and Murshida Khatun started cautiously, adding 15 runs before Murshida was dismissed for 6 by Orla Prendergast. 

Farzana then partnered with Shamima Akhter to form an 85-run stand that brought the team back on track. Farzana made a steady 50 runs off 89 balls with 6 fours before she was dismissed when the score reached 100. 

Shamima followed shortly after, scoring 43 runs off 63 balls with 4 fours, and Bangladesh was 107 for 3.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty then joined Shabnam Mustafiz, and the two added 22 runs together before Shabnam was out for 129 for 4. 

With just 12 more runs needed for victory, Joty played a crucial knock of 40 runs from 39 balls, hitting 1 six and 4 fours, before she was dismissed. Shorna Akter (29*) and Fahima Khatun (4*) stayed not out to guide Bangladesh across the line and seal the win.

With this victory, Bangladesh has not only taken an unassailable lead in the series but also put themselves in a strong position to complete a whitewash in the final match. If they win the last game, they will also confirm their spot in the Women’s ODI World Cup.