|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance in the first ODI against Ireland at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, securing their biggest-ever victory in ODI cricket by a margin of 154 runs.

Riding on Sharmin Akhter Supta's blistering innings and a stellar display from the spinners, Bangladesh crushed the Irish side after setting a target of 253 runs.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted 252 runs, their first total surpassing 250 in women’s ODIs. In reply, Ireland were bundled out for just 98 runs, with the Bangladeshi spinners dominating the proceedings. This victory surpasses Bangladesh’s previous largest win, a 119-run triumph against South Africa in East London last year.

Sharmin, who returned to the squad after 16 months, was the star with the bat. The right-hander smashed 96 runs off 89 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, narrowly missing her maiden century. Fargana Hoque Pinky supported her well with a patient 61 off 110 balls.

The bowlers then ensured Bangladesh’s total was more than enough. Pacer Marufa Akter struck early, dismissing both Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter in the third over to leave Ireland reeling. She finished with figures of 2 for 18. The spinners took over from there, with Sultana Khatun and Nahida Akter picking up three wickets each for 23 runs, choking the Irish batters on a slow Mirpur track.

Bangladesh will aim to seal the three-match series when the two teams face off in the second ODI at the same venue on Saturday.