Bangladesh Women Edge Ireland by 9 Runs
Bangladesh Women Beat Ireland by 9 Runs: Sharmin Akhter’s 52 Seals T20 World Cup Qualifier Thriller.
Bangladesh Women vs Ireland Women, ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026: Bangladesh Women held their nerve in a tense contest at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 24, defeating Ireland Women by nine runs.
Bangladesh posted a competitive 153/7 in 20 overs, with opener Sharmin Akhter anchoring the innings with a composed 52. Ireland appeared capable of chasing the target after captain Gaby Lewis produced an outstanding unbeaten 73, but Bangladesh's bowlers kept their composure during the decisive stages.
Ireland finished on 144/4, leaving them nine runs short of victory.
The result provides Bangladesh with an important win in their pursuit of qualification for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. For Ireland, Lewis' magnificent innings ultimately could not overcome the pressure created by Bangladesh's disciplined bowling.
Bangladesh vs Ireland Women: Match Summary
Venue: Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: January 24, 2026
Competition: ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026
Result: Bangladesh Women won by 9 runs
Bangladesh Women: 153/7 (20 overs)
Ireland Women: 144/4 (20 overs)
Bangladesh top scorer: Sharmin Akhter – 52
Ireland top scorer: Gaby Lewis – 73*
Pre-Match Context: Qualification Stakes in Kathmandu
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier represents an important route for teams aiming to reach the main tournament.
With qualification places at stake, every group-stage victory carries significant value. Bangladesh entered the contest with confidence, while Ireland were looking to produce a statement performance against one of the leading sides in the group.
The Mulpani Cricket Ground offered an interesting challenge. The pitch was expected to provide some assistance to seamers early on before potentially bringing spinners into the contest as the match progressed.
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Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to put a defendable total on the board.
Bangladesh Women’s Innings: Sharmin Akhter Anchors the Score
Bangladesh's innings began with a few early setbacks.
Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed cheaply, bringing further responsibility on the middle order. Dilara Akter helped stabilise the innings before falling with Bangladesh looking to build momentum.
The key contribution came from Sharmin Akhter, who played a mature innings of 52.
Rather than taking unnecessary risks, Akhter rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries when opportunities appeared. Her innings provided Bangladesh with the stability required to recover from early pressure.
Captain Nigar Sultana contributed 13 before being dismissed, while the lower order added enough runs to push Bangladesh to 153/7 after 20 overs.
With a required rate of 7.70 runs per over, Ireland faced a challenging but achievable target.
Sharmin Akhter’s Half-Century Proves Crucial
Akhter's half-century was particularly important because Bangladesh did not dominate the innings from start to finish.
Her ability to remain at the crease and keep the scoreboard moving allowed Bangladesh to avoid a collapse.
In a match ultimately decided by just nine runs, those middle-over contributions became even more valuable.
Bangladesh's final total of 153 gave their bowlers something substantial to defend, but Ireland's batting line-up had enough experience to make the chase competitive.
Ireland Women’s Chase: Gaby Lewis Leads the Fightback
Ireland started their chase with the pressure of maintaining a demanding scoring rate.
Captain Gaby Lewis responded superbly.
The right-hander produced an excellent unbeaten 73, combiningBangladesh Women vs Ireland Women, 16th Match, Group A – ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026: Bangladesh Win by 9 Runs
In a tense and closely contested encounter at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 24, 2026, Bangladesh Women edged out Ireland Women by 9 runs to secure a vital victory in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026.
Bangladesh posted a competitive 153/7 in their 20 overs, powered by a composed half-century from opener Sharmin Akhter, before their bowlers held their nerve in the death overs to restrict Ireland to 144/4.
This result strengthens Bangladesh's position in Group A as they chase one of the coveted qualification spots for the main ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Ireland, despite a valiant unbeaten 73 from captain Gaby Lewis, fell agonizingly short, highlighting the fine margins in this high-stakes qualifier tournament.
The match showcased the growing competitiveness of associate women's cricket, with both sides displaying skill, resilience, and tactical awareness throughout.
Pre-Match Context: Stakes High in Kathmandu
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 is the pathway for associate nations to earn berths in the flagship event. Group A features strong contenders like Bangladesh, Ireland, and others battling for supremacy in the round-robin format.
Bangladesh Women, led by experienced campaigners like Nigar Sultana (captain and wicketkeeper), entered the match with momentum from previous wins. Ireland, under Gaby Lewis's captaincy, have been a consistent force in European women's cricket and aimed to upset one of the favorites.
The Mulpani pitch, known for offering balanced assistance—some early movement for seamers and later grip for spinners—promised an intriguing contest. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to set a defendable total on a venue where chasing can be tricky under lights.
Bangladesh Innings: Sharmin Akhter Anchors with 52
Bangladesh's innings began steadily but lost early wickets. Opener Juairiya Ferdous fell for a low score (c A Kelly b A Dalzell), bringing Dilara Akter to the crease. Dilara provided a solid platform, scoring aggressively before being bowled by Lara McBride for a useful contribution.
The key stand came from Sharmin Akhter, who played a mature knock of 52 (off balls not fully detailed but anchored the middle overs). Her innings featured crisp drives and smart rotation, helping Bangladesh recover from 83/2.
Captain Nigar Sultana added 13 before being caught by GH Lewis off J Maguire. Lower-order contributions pushed the total to 153/7 in 20 overs (RR 7.65).
Key fall of wickets:
1-13 (Juairiya Ferdous, 2.4 ov)
2-83 (Dilara Akter, 11.2 ov)
3-102 (Nigar Sultana)
Ireland's bowlers, including Lara McBride, J Maguire, and others, kept things tight but couldn't prevent Bangladesh from reaching a par-plus score.
Ireland Chase: Gaby Lewis's Heroic 73 Not Enough
Chasing 154, Ireland lost early wickets but found stability through captain Gaby Lewis. The right-hander played a superb knock of 73 not out, showcasing elegant strokeplay and excellent running between wickets.
Despite Lewis's efforts, Ireland could only manage 144/4 in their 20 overs. Key partnerships kept them in the hunt, but Bangladesh's spinners and death bowlers—led by Marufa Akter and others—applied pressure in the final overs.
In the last over, Marufa Akter conceded just enough to keep Ireland short. Amy Hunter contributed 35 (25 balls), but the required rate proved too steep in the end.
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Final scorecard:
Ireland Women 144/4 (20 ov)
Gaby Lewis 73*
Amy Hunter 35
Bangladesh's disciplined bowling, particularly in restricting boundaries in the death, proved decisive.
Key Performers
Player of the Match: Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh) – 52 runs, anchoring the innings.
Gaby Lewis (Ireland) – 73* – Fought valiantly but couldn't finish the chase.
Bowling highlights for Bangladesh: Tight spells from Marufa Akter (final over control) and spinners who choked the middle overs.
Post-Match Implications
This 9-run win boosts Bangladesh's net run rate and confidence as they push for qualification. Ireland remain competitive but need wins in remaining matches to stay in contention.
The match was a testament to the depth in women's associate cricket, with both teams displaying high-quality T20 skills.
Bangladesh Women now look ahead with optimism, while Ireland will rue the missed opportunity.FAQ: Bangladesh Women vs Ireland Women
Who won Bangladesh Women vs Ireland Women?
Bangladesh Women defeated Ireland Women by nine runs in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026.
What was Bangladesh's score?
Bangladesh Women scored 153/7 in 20 overs.
What was Ireland's score?
Ireland Women finished on 144/4 in 20 overs.
Who scored 52 for Bangladesh?
Sharmin Akhter scored 52 runs and played a crucial role in setting up Bangladesh's total.
How many runs did Gaby Lewis score?
Gaby Lewis scored an unbeaten 73 runs for Ireland.
Who was Ireland's other major contributor?
Amy Hunter scored 35 from 25 balls during Ireland's chase.
How did Bangladesh defend 153?
Bangladesh relied on disciplined bowling, particularly during the middle and death overs, to restrict Ireland to 144/4.
What was the winning margin?
Bangladesh won by nine runs.
Why was the match important?
The result was significant because both teams were competing for qualification places in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
What does the defeat mean for Ireland?
Ireland remain competitive but need strong results in their remaining matches to maintain their qualification hopes.
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Bangladesh Women vs Ireland Women T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026
Sharmin Akhter Bangladesh Women cricket
Gaby Lewis Ireland Women 73 not out
Bangladesh Women celebrate victory over Ireland
Bangladesh vs Ireland Women cricket match
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026
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