Bangladesh pulled off their highest successful run chase in ODI history, defeating Ireland by two wickets in a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier match. Chasing 236, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 94 for 5 and later at 186 for 8. However, Ritu Moni’s career-best unbeaten 67 off just 61 balls turned the tide. Along with No.10 batter Nahida Akter, she stitched a record ninth-wicket stand of 54 runs from just 34 balls to guide Bangladesh home with eight balls to spare.
This dramatic win lifted Bangladesh to the top of the points table with four points, ahead of Pakistan and Scotland on net run-rate. Ireland, meanwhile, remain winless after three matches and are all but out of contention for the qualifiers. Despite their best batting display in the tournament, posting 235 for 8, Ireland failed to seal the win. Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly each took two wickets to put Bangladesh under early pressure.
Nigar Sultana, who recently scored her maiden ODI ton, chipped in with a composed 51. But once she fell, Moni took charge despite early nervous moments. She powered through with aggressive strokes, received treatment for cramps, and eventually sealed the win with a six.
Earlier, Ireland had put in a strong performance with the bat. Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, and Laura Delany all made key contributions. However, their late collapse and sloppy fielding—including six dropped catches across the tournament—proved costly.
In the other match of the day, Scotland defended a total of 206 and defeated Thailand by 58 runs. Kathryn Bryce scored 60 runs and built a key 67-run stand with Ailsa Lister. Megan McColl also made a valuable fifty later in the innings. During Thailand’s chase, Natthakan Chantham scored 63, but Scotland’s spinners took nine wickets to seal an easy win.
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