Ritu Moni's unbeated 67 steered Bangladesh to a thrilling two-wicket win over Ireland in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday (Apr 13).
Chasing 236, Bangladesh were in trouble at 82-4 in the 22nd over. However, Ritu held firm under pressure with an unbeaten 61-ball 67, featuring six boundaries and a six. Her innings proved decisive as the Tigresses crossed the finish line with eight balls to spare.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also contributed with a steady 51 off 68 balls, but her dismissal in the 26th over left Bangladesh reeling at 94 for 5, still well short of the target. Ritu then took charge, building key partnerships with the lower order to turn the game around.
At number six, Ritu added 45 runs with Fahima Khatun (28 off 38), 40 runs with Jannatul Ferdus (19 off 23), and a record-setting 54-run ninth-wicket stand with Nahida Akter (18 off 17), steering Bangladesh to a dramatic win.
Earlier, Ireland posted a total of 235 for 8, thanks to a 75-ball 63 from Laura Delaney and a 64-ball 41 from Orla Prendergast.
Bangladesh's leg-spinners Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun played vital roles with the ball, claiming three for 39 and two for 50, respectively, to restrict the Irish innings.
