Bangladesh secure series win with dominant all-round performance

Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, achieved an impressive victory in the second ODI against Ireland, claiming the series with one match still to play.

The team put on an all-round show, first restricting Ireland with the ball and then chasing down the target with ease thanks to an outstanding batting display.

The match, held on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, saw Bangladesh beat Ireland by 5 wickets, securing the series victory with a match to spare.

This is Bangladesh's highest total against Ireland, and their third-highest overall.

The successful chase of 211/9 is the second-best in their history, with the top chase being 202/2, also against Pakistan.

Ireland, winning the toss, chose to bat first and put up 193/6. Amy Hunter, Prendergast, and Laura Delany contributed to the total with solid knocks.

In reply, despite a difficult start, Bangladesh was never really in trouble. Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akhter Supta, and captain Joty steered the team to victory with 37 balls to spare.

This 5-wicket win is Bangladesh's largest victory in terms of balls remaining at Mirpur.

The chase began with a setback as Bangladesh lost Murshida Khatun for just 15 runs. However, Farzana and Supta quickly steadied the ship, putting on an 85-run partnership for the second wicket. They had been crucial in the first ODI too, sharing a 104-run stand.

Farzana, in particular, continued her fine form, scoring her second consecutive half-century. She made 50 runs from 89 balls, hitting six fours. This was her 12th half-century in ODIs.

Shortly after, Supta, who had been in excellent form in the previous match, was dismissed after making 43 runs from 63 balls with four boundaries. Sohbana Mostari looked promising but was dismissed for 16 runs off 21 balls, including two fours.

Despite these wickets, Bangladesh never felt the pressure, with captain Joty and Swarna Akter adding 53 runs for the fifth wicket in 40 balls. This partnership brought them very close to victory. Joty, who was later named Player of the Match, was out for 40 runs from 39 balls, including four fours and a six.

Sworna, who has been a reliable batter for Bangladesh, remained unbeaten on 29 runs from 29 balls, hitting a four and a six. Fahima Khatun contributed with a cameo, scoring 4 runs off 8 balls to complete the chase.

For Ireland, Laura Delany was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets. Prendergast, Ava Canning, and Arlene Kelly each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, in their batting innings, Amy Hunter top-scored for Ireland with 68 runs off 88 balls, including eight fours. Prendergast and Delany added 37 and 33 runs, respectively, while Una Raymond-Hoey provided a late flourish with 21 runs off 18 balls, hitting two fours.

Bangladesh's Sultana Khatun claimed two wickets, while Nahida Akter and Sworna Akter each took one.