Mon Dec 02 13:02:31 UTC 2024: **Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team Sweeps Ireland 3-0, Boosts World Cup Hopes**

DHAKA, Dec 2 – Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team secured a resounding 3-0 series victory over Ireland on Sunday, significantly boosting their chances of direct qualification for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. A 143-run partnership between Sharmin Akhter (72 runs) and Fargana Hoque (61 runs) – a new national record for any wicket in women’s ODIs – powered Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win in the final match.

Ireland, bowled out for 185 by Bangladesh’s spinners who took all ten wickets, were unable to contain the strong batting display from the hosts. Although Aimee Maguire briefly disrupted Bangladesh’s chase with two quick wickets, Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary steered the team home with 12.3 overs to spare.

This series win has major implications for Bangladesh’s World Cup qualification bid. The top five teams in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 will automatically qualify. While Australia, England, South Africa, and India have already secured their spots, Bangladesh’s victory moves them into contention for one of the remaining two automatic qualification slots. Currently sitting in seventh place with 19 points, they are within striking distance of Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Upcoming matches against the West Indies offer further opportunities to improve their ranking.

Bangladesh has also announced its T20I squad for their upcoming series against Ireland, starting December 5th. The squad retains many regular players, with Disha Niswas, Shamima Sultana, and Sarmin Sultana named as standby players.

Read More