Sports Reporter :
The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team completed a 3-0 whitewash over the Ireland Women’s Cricket team in their three-match One Day International (ODI) series, securing a seven-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Monday.
Chasing Ireland’s total of 185 runs off 50 overs, Bangladesh comfortably reached 186 for three, with 75 balls to spare.
The chase began poorly for Bangladesh as opener Murshida Khatun (8) was dismissed by Orla Prendergast with the score at just nine.
However, Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter stabilised the innings with a brilliant 143-run partnership for the second wicket. Akhter was dismissed by Aimee Maguire when Bangladesh’s score was 152 for two.
Akhter made an impressive 72, striking 11 fours from 88 balls, and was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
Fargana Hoque, who contributed a solid 61 off 99 balls with six fours, was dismissed by Maguire when Bangladesh’s total reached 165 for three. Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary then guided their team home.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the Irish batters with a controlled and superb display of bowling.
Fahima Khatun took three wickets for 43 runs, while Sultana Khatun and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets each, for 29 and 55 runs respectively. Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan took one wicket apiece.
Irish opener Gaby Lewis played a captain’s knock, scoring 52 off 79 balls, including nine fours, to help restore some parity for her side.
