Today is a potentially momentous day in the history of Bangladesh Women’s cricket as they take on Ireland at the BKSP-3 in Savar. If they can win this match they will virtually ensure entry into the Super Sixes and as a result receive ODI status.
The hosts are in for a tough fight as the Irish yesterday bullied Japan to win by 255 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The hosts will depend mainly on their spinners to do most of the damage on the Irish batting. The Bangladesh batting is still an area of concern as they have yet to score a substantial total and the middle order was not tested against Japan.
However, Bangladesh skipper Salma Khatun, speaking on the eve of the match, was brimming with confidence and was not shy to mention where she believed the Irish’s weakness lies, “We watched a few tapes of their (the Irish) players. They have good batsmen who all play straight, but their fielding is a bit weak.”
“They are ahead in experience but we have a very good bowling and fielding unit. I believe we will win with our batting, bowling and fielding,” she added.
In other matches yesterday, the West Indies won easily by eight wickets against Pakistan at the BKSP-2, The Netherlands won in a one-sided match against USA by 255 runs at the Fatullah Stadium and Sri Lanka easily won their encounter against Zimbabwe by seven wickets.
PAKISTAN-WEST INDIES
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat, managing only 140 all out thanks to off-spinner Anisa Mohammed who took 5-26.
West Indies cantered to victory in only 34.5 overs thanks to Stefanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin’s unbeaten half-centuries.
This win means that West Indies virtually qualify for the Super Six stages along with Pakistan.
IRELAND-JAPAN
Japan won toss and decided to field and the Irish made 311-9 with Cecelia Joyce and Eimear Richardson making quick fifties.
Japan were bowled out for 56 with spinner Eimear Richardson taking five wickets for 4 runs.
THE NETHERLANDS-USA
The Dutch won the toss and decided to bat, posting a formidable 329-5 with opener Miranda Veringmeier missing out on a century.
USA in reply could manage only 104.
ZIMBABWE-SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to put the Zimbabweans in to bat, bowling them out for a meagre 62. Lankan bowler Chamani Seneviratna took 5-15.
In reply Sri Lanka cruised to victory in 10.5 overs with opener Yasoda Mendis making a quickfire 35.
This win means Sri Lanka have won two of their three matches and are almost in the Super Sixes.
BRIEF SCORES
PAKISTAN: 140 all out in 49.2 overs (Abidi 53; Mohammed 5-26).
WEST INDIES: 142-2 in 34.5 overs (Taylor 66 not out; Junaid 1-17)
Result: West Indies won by eight wickets.
IRELAND: 311-9 in 50 overs (C Joyce 64; Yamamoto 3-65). JAPAN: 56 all out in 23.2 overs (Miyaji 13; Richardson 5-4)
Result: Ireland won by 255 runs.
THE NETHERLANDS: 329-5 in 50 overs (Veringmeier 99; Beckford 2-32). USA: 104 all out in 49.5 overs (Bhaskar 19; de Lange 3-8)
Result: The Netherlands won by 255 runs.
ZIMBABWE: 62 all out in 41.4 overs (Nyathi 18; Seneviratna 5-15).
SRI LANKA: 64-3 in 10.5 overs (Mendis 35 not out; Saili 3-19)
Result: Sri Lanka won by seven wickets.
-With The Daily Star input
