Fargana Hoque's half-century, along with key performances from Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana Joty, propelled the Bangladesh women's cricket team to a five-wicket triumph over Ireland in the second WODI. This victory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday ensured the hosts clinched the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.
Fargana, opening the innings, scored 50 off 89 balls. Sharmin contributed 43 runs, and captain Joty played a quickfire innings of 40 off 39 balls, leading Bangladesh to a total of 197-5 in 43.5 overs.
This win also represents the Tigresses' highest successful run chase in the 50-over format, surpassing their previous best of 167 against Pakistan in Mirpur in November 2023.
In their chase, Bangladesh lost opener Murshida Khatun for six runs in the fifth over. Fargana and Sharmin then built a solid 85-run partnership for the second wicket,providing stability to the innings.
However, both Fargana and Sharmin were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh at 107-3 after 29.2 overs.
Sobhana Mostary, who scored 16, was dismissed soon after, becoming Laura Delany's second wicket of the match. Nevertheless, captain Joty, in partnership with Shorna Akter, added 53 runs off just 40 balls, bringing the team close to victory.
Joty was dismissed with only 11 runs needed, but Shorna remained unbeaten on 25, alongside Fahima Khatun, who scored four, to secure the win.
Earlier in the match, despite Amy Hunter's 68, Ireland could only post a total of 193-6 in their 50 overs after choosing to bat first. Sultana Khatun took two wickets for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had previously won the first ODI by a margin of 154 runs.
