ICC T20 WC Qualifiers: BD women edge Ireland in close encounter

Sports Reporter :

Bangladesh also defeated Ireland after securing a Super Six spot in the World Cup qualifiers.

in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers by 9 runs in their last match of the Group A at Mulapani Cricket Ground in Nepal on Saturday.

Sharmin Akter Supta was the key performer behind the victory, hitting a 45 ball-52, an inning laced with five fours and one six.

Thanks to her half-century, Bangladesh put on a respectable 153-7 after electing to bat first.

Sharmin Aktar’s fifty and Sobhana Mostari’s stormy batting laid the foundation for victory.

Bangladesh got off to a strong start led by Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akter who posted a 70-run stand for the second wicket. Akter scored 35 off 27 deliveries while Akhter completed her half-century with a 45-ball 52.

Even though the partnership was broken by Lara McBride in the 12th over, a 16-ball 30 cameo from Sobhana Mostary took Bangladesh to 153/7 in their 20 overs. Ireland got off to a flying start with Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter in full flow.

Their dominant opening stand was interrupted when Hunter had to retire hurt while batting on 25 with Ireland at 53 without the loss of any wicket.

The injury allowed Bangladesh a way back into the game and Shorna Akter struck twin blows removing Orla Predergast and Leah Paul in the same over.

Laura Delaney appeared to be steading the Irish ship before she was run out with Ireland still needing 36 in 15 deliveries.

Lewis’ departure after a well-made 73 completely flattened the Irish chase even though Hunter returned to bat.

The opening batter added ten runs to her pre-injury score but it wasn’t enough to take Ireland home as they fell short by 9 runs.

Bangladesh have finished top of Group A, winning all four of their matches while Ireland sit second on four points with one game to play.

Bangladesh beat USA by 21 runs in the first match before sealing a 30 and 80 runs victory against Papua New Guinea and Namibia respectively in the second and third match.

They had already moved to the Super Six and made a giant stride toward the T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales in June-July this year.