Historic Win for Bangladesh Women Fueled by Ritu Moni’s Heroics

The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team pulled off a record-breaking victory by defeating Ireland by 2 wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Chasing 235 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Tigresses clinched the win with 8 balls and 2 wickets to spare—marking their highest successful run chase in Women's ODI history.

Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first on Sunday. They suffered an early setback when opener Sarah Forbes was run out with the score on just 6. However, captain Gaby Lewis (24) and Amy Hunter (33) helped stabilize the innings. Laura Delany was the top scorer for Ireland, scoring 63 runs off 75 balls.

At the end of 50 overs, Ireland posted a total of 235 for 8. For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan took 3 wickets while Fahima Khatun claimed 2.

In reply, Bangladesh lost both openers with just 2 runs on the board. Under pressure, Sharmin Akter and captain Nigar Sultana Joty steadied the innings with a 52-run partnership. Sharmin departed for 24, and Joty followed after completing a half-century.

Ritu Moni then took charge of the chase, supported by Fahima Khatun and later Jannatul Ferdus. However, a collapse saw Bangladesh reduced to 186 for 8, sparking fears of a defeat.

But Ritu Moni, alongside Nahida Akter, rescued the team from the brink. The duo added an unbeaten 54-run partnership off 34 balls for the ninth wicket—the highest ever ninth-wicket stand for Bangladesh Women in ODIs. Ritu Moni remained unbeaten on 67, while Nahida was not out on 18, guiding Bangladesh to a historic win.