BSS, Dhaka :
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team became unbeaten champions in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (WC) Qualifier, securing a 7-run win over Ireland Women’s Cricket team at Abu Dhabi on Sunday night.
The Tigresses’ 2023 South Africa T20 World Cup ticket was confirmed when they moved to the final but the original goal of these indomitable girls was to break all the barriers, coming to haunt them.
And their grit and determination helped them win the game against Ireland who also confirmed the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh. The achievement came amid the jubilation of Bangladesh Women Footballers winning the SAFF Championship, marking the women’s giant stride in the country’s sports arena.
Bangladesh however, became hat-trick champions in Qualifying tournament, having done so the same in 2018 and 2019. They became runners-up in 2015. But they expected that from the next year, they won’t have to play the Qualifying tournament for World Cup ticket and for this they need to perform better throughout the year, which is now the target of Nigar Sultana Joty and her team.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh Women’s team amassed 120-8 in 20 overs with Fargana Hoque Pinky leading the way with scintillating 61 off 55, studded with seven fours.
Rumana Ahmed was the other one to reach double digit figure with 21 off 20. No other Bangladesh batter could make impact in the high octane game against a highly disciplined Irish attack.
Laura Delany was the pick of Ireland bowling with 3-27 while Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray grabbed two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh indeed won the game, thanks to their well organized bowling, led by Rumana Ahmed who ended with 3-24. She was ably aided by Sanjida Akhter Meghla, Nahida Akter and Shohely Akhter who all bagged two wickets apiece as Ireland were held back to 113 for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs, despite raising the prospect of winning the game.
Arlene Kelly was the highest scorer for the Irish with 28 not out while Mary Waldron made 19 and Eimear Richardson added 18 runs.
