Bangladesh beat Thailand in third women’s world cup qualifier

LAHORE: Bangladesh divisively beat Thailand on Thursday in the third match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, thanks to a couple incredible knocks from Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter, and a couple brilliant bowling performances from Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus.

Bangladesh’s Innings

Apart from an early scare in the fourth over, which saw Bangladesh opener Ishma Tanjim caught behind on a delivery from Phannita Maya, it was smooth sailing for the the Tigers. Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter put together a 104 run second wicket stand off 141 deliveries. Their partnership ended in the 28th over when Fargana was caight out by Chanida Sutthiruang on a delivery from Onnicha Kamchomphu. But, before Fargana left the field, she made the 14th half century of her ODI career, scoring 53 runs off 82 deliveries.

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana then joined Sharmin on the pitch, and together, the two added another 152 runs off 138 deliveries. Sharmin made an unbeaten 94 off 126 balls, hitting 11 fours in the process. Sultana made her first ever ODI century, scoring 101 runs, 66 of which came from her 15 fours and one six, before she was caught out on the last ball of the innings. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi took the catch, and Thipatcha Puthawong took the wicket.

Bangladesh made 271 runs, losing three wickets along the way.

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Thailand’s Innings

Thailand began to crumble in the ninth over, as Fahima Khatun took her first wicket, bowling Chanida Sutthiruang. Fahima struck again soon after in the 13th over, bowling Nannapat Koncharoenkai. Thailand couldn’t seem to find an answer for Bangladehs’s spin bowling, as in her very next over, she dismissed Nattaya Boochatham, this time via lbw.

Jannatul Ferdus began to make her presence felt in the 20th over, as she bowled both Natthakan Chantham and Phannita Maya just a few balls apart. In her next over, she took her third wicket, dismissing Narumol Chaiwai, who was caught out by Rabeya Khan. Spin continued to terrorize Thailand, as Ferdus took another wicket in her third consecutive over, bowling Aphisara Suwanchonrathi.

Not wanting to be outdone, Fahima got back in on the action in the next over, bowling Suleeporn Laomi for her fourth wicket. Ferdus then took her fifth, in the 28th, catching her own delivery to send Sunida Chaturongrattana off the field. And once again, not wanting to be left behind, Fahima dismissed Kamchomphu in the next over, ending the game.

Bangladesh won by an astounding 178 runs, thanks to Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus’ brilliant bowling.

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