Tigresses beat Ireland by 5 wickets to clinch series

Dhaka, 30 Nov- Bangladesh Women's team confirmed the three-match 
ODI series, with a game to spare after cruising to a five-wicket win over 
Ireland in the second match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Opting to bat first, Ireland were restricted to 193-6, a total that 
Bangladesh overhauled in 43.5 overs by reaching 197-5.

Opener Fargana Hoque Pinky led the charge with 89 ball-50, studded with six 
fours. Sharmin Akhter Supta who hammered an 89 ball-96 in Bangladesh's 
crushing 154-run victory in the first game, made 43.

Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty edged the side closer to victory with 39 ball-40 
that included four fours and one six. 

Shorna Akter who was not out on run-a-ball-29 signed off the game with a 
boundary.

Bangladesh lost opener Murshida Khatun cheaply as she was dismissed for six. 
But Fargana and Supta steadied the side with 85-run partnership for the 
second wicket. 

When Laura Delany broke the partnership, Bangladesh tasted a mini collapse, 
losing three quick wickets for 29 runs. 

Joty and Shorna then shared a 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take 
the side on the verge of the victory.

Arlene Kelly tough dismissed Joty, Shorna took the side home without any 
fuss.

Ireland which were bowled out for just 98 runs in the first ODI, fared better 
in the second ODI, thanks to captain Amy Hunter's 68. Orla Prendergast gave 
her ample support with 37 while Laura Delany who took two wickets of 
Bangladesh, made 33.

Sultana Khatun took two wickets while Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter picked up 
one wicket apiece.

Bangladesh though confirmed the series after winning this match, they must 
win the third final ODI against Ireland and all three matches against West 
Indies in their next series for a direct qualification to the ICC Women's 
Cricket World Cup to be held in India next year.