Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team secured a decisive 5-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur. This dominant performance ensured the Tigresses clinched the three-match series with one game to spare.

Winning the toss, Ireland opted to bat first but faced early setbacks. Captain and opener Gaby Lewis fell cheaply to Sultana Khatun, setting the tone for Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling. Although Sarah Forbes managed to stabilize briefly, her 34-ball 13 was far from impactful as she fell to Nahida Akter with the team score at 35.

A crucial partnership followed between Orla Prendergast and Amy Hunter. While Prendergast contributed a steady 37 off 72 balls, Hunter was the standout performer, scoring a sparkling 68 off 88 deliveries. Laura Delany chipped in with a valuable 33 off 50, and Una Raymond-Hoey’s late cameo of 21 off 18 ensured Ireland reached 193/6 in their 50 overs.

For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun impressed with 2 wickets, while Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter claimed one each.

Chasing 194, Bangladesh started on the back foot as opener Murshida Khatun fell early. However, Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter Supta rebuilt the innings with a crucial 85-run partnership. Farzana reached her half-century before being dismissed for 50 off 89 balls, while Sharmin fell just shy of her fifty, scoring 43 off 63.

Captain Nigar Sultana played a decisive knock of 40 off 39 balls, nearly taking Bangladesh to the brink of victory. Shorna Akter, with her unbeaten 25 off 27 balls, and Fahima Khatun ensured the chase was completed comfortably. Bangladesh reached the target with 37 balls to spare, finishing at 194/5.

With this win, Bangladesh now leads the three-match series 2-0, securing an unassailable lead. The third ODI is now a formality as the Tigresses celebrate a well-deserved series triumph.