Bangladesh Women Secure Fourth Straight Win, Beat Ireland to Storm into Super Six

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team continues its impressive run in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, delivering one strong performance after another. After victories over the United States, Papua New Guinea and Namibia, the Tigresses added Ireland to their list, securing their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

Playing at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 9 runs on Tuesday. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh posted 153 for 7 in 20 overs. In reply, Ireland managed 144 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Sharmin Akter, who scored 52 off 45 balls, was named Player of the Match.

Having already confirmed their place in the Super Six by winning their first three matches, Nigar Sultana’s side completed the group stage with a perfect record, finishing with eight points and booking their ticket to the next round in dominant fashion.

Ireland, who had won their first two matches, made a strong start in the chase. Openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis put on 53 runs without loss. When Hunter retired hurt, Ireland were 53 for no loss in 7.3 overs. The first breakthrough came at 71 in 10.4 overs, and Bangladesh struck again in the same over. Swarna Akter trapped Leah Paul with a sharp stumping to swing the momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour.

Despite losing wickets in quick succession, Ireland stayed in the hunt through a solid partnership led by captain Gaby Lewis. She played a superb innings of 73 off 58 balls, but her effort went in vain. Tight and disciplined bowling from Bangladesh meant Ireland fell short of the required 43 runs in the final four overs, even with eight wickets in hand.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Jureya Ferdous was dismissed for 11 with the team total on 13. A crucial 70-run partnership for the second wicket between Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter steadied the innings. Dilara scored 35 off 27 balls, while Sharmin brought up her second half-century of the qualifiers. Captain Nigar Sultana contributed 13 off 13 balls, and a late flourish from Sobhana Mostary—who smashed 30 off 16 deliveries—helped Bangladesh cross the 150-run mark.