Bangladesh edge Ireland in Women's T20 WC qualifier
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Nigar Sultana smashed a half-century and a three-wicket haul from Salma Khatun helped Bangladesh edge Ireland by 14 runs on the opening day of the T20 World Cup qualifier.
Chasing 144, Ireland came close but eventually fell short of 14 runs as Bangladesh started their qualifier with a win.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh lost opener Murshida Khatun in the fifth over, but rebuilt with a strong stand between Shamima Sultana and Nigar.
While Shamima fell two short of a half-century, Nigar went on to complete hers and was only dismissed off the last ball in the innings for a brilliant 53-ball 67. Her knock set up Bangladesh's total of 143.
Ireland lost Gaby Lewis for a golden duck, and Orla Prendergast was dismissed by Khatun in the third over. Skipper Laura Delany and Amy Hunter kept Ireland afloat, but in a major blow to the chase, Hunter was run out by Khatun in the 10th over.
Eimear Richardson pushed Ireland's chances up with a 26-ball 40, but the pair of Khatun and Nahida Akter struck a couple of times to leave Ireland in trouble. The big blow came late in the innings when Richardson was run out as the ninth batter dismissed.
