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Chase For The Ages! Ritu Moni's Grit Helps BAN-W Knock IRE-W Out Of World Cup Qualifiers

Soumyajit Dutta

Bangladesh Women [Source: @ICC/X]Bangladesh Women [Source: @ICC/X]

Bangladesh Women clinched a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the seventh match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, April 13. 

Ritu Moni’s heroic knock and Nigar Sultana Joty’s gritty inning propelled Bangladesh to a dramatic two-wicket win over Ireland, chasing 236, as they clinched their second successive victory in the ICC Women’s CWC 2025 Qualifier. 

How Bangladesh Edged Past Ireland In A Last Over-Thriller!

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Ireland Women posted 235/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a steady middle-order performance. Laura Delany top-scored with a well-composed 63 off 75 deliveries, which included six fours. Amy Hunter contributed 33 runs while Orla Prendergast chipped in with 41.

Ireland’s innings had a solid foundation, although they lost opener Sarah Forbes early for just 4, run out by Nahida Akter in the fourth over. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter then stitched together a 50-run partnership before both fell in quick succession. 

Delany took charge and guided the team past the 180-run mark, supported by useful cameos from Leah Paul (19) and Coulter Reilly (10). Arlene Kelly remained unbeaten on 24 off just 17 balls, helping Ireland reach a defendable 235.

Bangladesh’s bowling was economical and disciplined, with Rabeya Khan emerging as the pick of the bowlers. The leg-spinner returned with figures of 3/39 in 10 overs. Fahima Khatun also picked up two wickets, including the vital one of Delany. Jannatul Ferdus and Nahida Akter contributed with one wicket each, while Marufa Akter maintained the pressure with her tight spells.

Ritu Moni Turns The Table In Favour Of Bangladesh!

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets with just two runs on the board. Opener Ishma Tanjim (2) and Fargana Hoque (0) departed early to put the side under pressure. However, a cautious 54-run partnership between Sharmin Akhter (24) and Nigar Sultana (51) steadied the innings. 

Nigar, the Bangladesh skipper, played a responsible knock, hitting six boundaries during her 68-ball stay. The chase witnessed multiple hiccups with Ireland picking wickets at regular intervals. At 186/8, Ireland seemed to be in control, but an unbeaten 54-run ninth-wicket partnership between Ritu Moni (67*) and Nahida Akter (18*) turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favour. 

Ritu Moni's match-winning knock came off just 61 balls and included six fours and a six. Her calm and composed innings under pressure guided the team home with eight balls to spare.

Arlene Kelly was the most successful bowler for Ireland, taking 2/32 in her 10 overs. Orla Prendergast, Jane Maguire, Ava Canning, and Cara Murray chipped in with one wicket each.