Delany's final-over heroics seal whitewash as Ireland complete historic sweep over Bangladesh
The Irish batter unleashed a hat-trick of boundaries to clinch the match and the series in style.
A stunning hat-trick of boundaries from Laura Delany in the final over crushed Bangladesh women's hopes of salvaging a consolation win, as Ireland secured a dramatic four-wicket victory to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the WT20I series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Delany, who finished unbeaten on 36 off 31 deliveries, held her nerve in a tense finish, dispatching three consecutive fours off Shorna Akter to chase down Bangladesh's modest total of 123 with just one ball to spare. Ireland reached 124-6 in 19.5 overs, sealing their first-ever WT20I series victory — and whitewash — over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's bowlers fought valiantly to defend the small total. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan stood out with figures of 2-17 from her four overs, while Jannatul Ferdous and Nahida Akter chipped in with a wicket apiece. However, Shorna was unable to defend 15 runs in the final over as Delany's composure and power-hitting proved decisive.
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Ireland's chase began on a strong note with openers Amy Hunter (28 off 24 balls) and Gaby Lewis (21 off 24) stitching together a 55-run stand in just 46 balls. The breakthrough came when Jannatul trapped Hunter lbw, and a spirited comeback by the Bangladesh bowlers saw Ireland stumble to 70-4 after losing three wickets in quick succession.
Delany then partnered with Rebecca Stokell (19 off 22) in a cautious 33-run stand that brought Ireland closer to the target, though it also allowed the required rate to climb. With 15 runs needed off the final over, Nahida Akter's economical penultimate over left Bangladesh with a fighting chance.
The final over saw high drama, beginning with Arlene Kelly being run out at the non-striker's end. Shorna nearly turned the game when she induced a catch off Delany in the second ball, but Jannatul failed to hold on to the opportunity, allowing Delany to steal two runs. The Irish batter then unleashed a hat-trick of boundaries to clinch the match and the series in style.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's innings was anchored by Sobhana Mostary (45 off 43) and Sharmin Akter (34 off 33), but the hosts struggled to accelerate, managing only 123-7 in their 20 overs. Orla Prendergast starred with the ball for Ireland, taking 4-22.
While Bangladesh had dominated the preceding WODI series 3-0, Ireland's historic WT20I triumph marked a significant milestone for the visitors, showcasing their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.
