|| CF DESK ||

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team clinched the ODI series against Ireland with a commanding five-wicket victory in the second match on Saturday, securing the series with one match to spare.

After a massive win in the first game, Nigar Sultana Joty's side delivered another impressive performance at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Ireland batted first and posted 193 runs in their 50 overs, but the hosts chased down the target with 37 balls to spare, driven by a solid team effort.

In their chase, Bangladesh lost opener Murshida Khatun early, but an 85-run second-wicket partnership between Sharmin Sultana and Fargana Hoque steadied the innings. Fargana scored a composed 50 off 89 balls, featuring six boundaries, while Sharmin contributed 43 off 63 deliveries.

After their dismissals, skipper Joty played a crucial knock, scoring 40 off 39 balls to guide her team closer to victory. Sobhana Mostary chipped in with 16 runs, while Swarna Akter (29*) and Fahima Khatun (4*) ensured the win.

For Ireland, Laura Delany was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets.

Earlier, Ireland struggled at the start, losing both openers with just 35 runs on the board. However, Amy Hunter (68 off 88 balls) and Orla Prendergast (37 off 72) steadied the innings with a 91-run stand. Captain Laura Delany added 33 runs off 50 balls to take Ireland to a respectable 193/6 in 50 overs.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were disciplined, with Sultana Khatun leading the attack, taking 2 for 32 in her 10 overs. Nahida Akter and Swarna Akter each picked up a wicket.

The two sides will face off in the final match of the series at the same venue, with Bangladesh looking for a clean sweep.