Bangladesh women sealed top spot in their group at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier with a nine-run win over Ireland at the Malpani Cricket Ground, completing a perfect four wins from four and confirming their place in the Super Six.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted 153 for seven from 20 overs. They lost an early wicket in the third over but rebuilt through a 70-run stand between Sharmin Akhter and Dilara Akter. Dilara made 35 from 27 balls, while Sharmin anchored the innings with a composed half-century, scoring 52 from 45 deliveries.
Captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti contributed 13, and although Sharmin’s partnership with Sobhana Mostary was brief, it proved decisive late on. Bangladesh stumbled with three wickets falling for seven runs, but Sobhana’s explosive cameo of 30 from 16 balls, including one four and three sixes, pushed the total past 150. She was out off the final ball of the innings. For Ireland, Jane Maguire and Arlene Kelly took two wickets apiece.
Ireland’s chase began brightly. Amy Hunter and captain Gaby Lewis added 53 before Hunter retired hurt, and Ireland reached 68 without loss after 10 overs. The momentum shifted in the 11th over when Shorna Akter struck twice. Tight spells from Ritu Moni and Nahida Akter squeezed the scoring as the required rate climbed.
Needing 43 from the final four overs, Ireland were kept in check at the death. Rabeya Khan removed the in-form Lewis for 73 in the 19th over, effectively ending the contest. Ireland required 20 from the last over, but Marufa conceded just 10 as the innings closed on 144 for four.
Sharmin Akhter was named player of the match for her 52, while Shornana Akter claimed two wickets for Bangladesh, with Rabeya Khan also among the wickets.
The victory confirmed Bangladesh as group champions, unbeaten through the group stage, and ensured their progression to the Super Six.
