UNB, Dhaka:
Bangladesh women beat Ireland by 14 runs in their first match of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier on September 19 night in Abu Dhabi.
Bangladesh batted first after winning the toss and posted 143 for four in 20 overs. In reply, Ireland tumbled for 129 in 19.4 overs and lost the match by 14 runs.
Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, led from the front scoring 67 off 53 balls. She hit 10 fours and one six. Opening batter Shamima Sultana also did well scoring 48 off 40 balls.
For Ireland, Eimear Richardson, Leah Paul, Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany bagged one wicket each.
In reply to Bangladesh’s challenging total, Eimear Richardson was the only Irish batter to offer some resistance. She scored 40 off just 26 deliveries with four fours and one six.
Amy Hunter and captain Laura Delany scored 33 and 28 respectively. But their efforts were not enough for them to avoid defeat.
Veteran Bangladeshi allrounder Salma Khatun bagged three wickets conceding 19 runs in four overs while Sanjida Akter Meghla and Nahida Akter took two wickets each.
Bangladesh will take on Scotland and the United States of America in their next two matches on September 19 and 21. Both the matches will be played at the international cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi.
