Ritu Moni’s match-winning knock guides Bangladesh to record chase against Ireland

Bangladesh overcame a difficult situation to achieve a historic victory against Ireland in their second match of the Women's World Cup Qualifiers. Chasing a challenging target of 236, Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 94 for 5 when Ritu Moni stepped up to guide her team to a remarkable win.

Ireland posted a total of 235 for 8, capitalising on a below-par performance from Bangladesh's bowlers. Bangladesh's chase began poorly as Fargana Hoque was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, caught behind off Orla Prendergast. Young opener Ishma Tanzim also fell early for just 2 runs, leaving Bangladesh under pressure.

Sharmin Akhter Supta and Nigar Sultana then added 52 runs for the third wicket to stabilise the innings, but Sharmin was dismissed for 24. Nigar continued to build another partnership with Sobhana Mostary, but Sobhana fell for just 7 runs, leaving Bangladesh further under pressure. The situation worsened when captain Nigar Sultana, who had reached a fifty off 68 balls, was dismissed for 51.

At this point, Ritu Moni took control. She forged a 45-run partnership with Fahima Khatun (28) and another 40-run stand with Jannatul Ferdous (19) to keep Bangladesh in the chase. However, Bangladesh still required 51 runs from the final 48 balls with only three wickets in hand. The pressure mounted further when Rabeya was dismissed cheaply.

Ritu remained calm under pressure and partnered with Nahida Akter to steer Bangladesh to victory. Their unbeaten 54-run partnership secured the win with eight balls remaining. Ritu finished with an unbeaten 67 from 61 balls, including six fours and one six, registering her maiden ODI half-century.

Earlier, Ireland won the toss and chose to bat at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. After losing Sarah Forbes to a run-out in the fourth over, captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter formed a 50-run partnership. Jannatul broke the stand by dismissing Lewis, while Hunter was run out for 33.

Prendergast and Laura Delany then added 72 runs for the fourth wicket before Rabeya trapped Prendergast LBW for 41. Delany went on to score 63 off 75 balls before being stumped off Fahima Khatun's bowling. In the final overs, Leah Paul (19) and Arlene Kelly (24*) added crucial runs to propel Ireland's total.

For Bangladesh, Rabeya was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs. Fahima Khatun took 2 wickets for 50 runs, while Jannatul Ferdous picked up one wicket.

With this victory, Bangladesh maintained a perfect record in the qualifiers, staying at the top of the points table.