Bangladesh clinch Ireland series with record-breaking win

The Tigresses chase down a target of 193, their highest on home soil, in the second ODI in Mirpur

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Gaby Lewis outlined Ireland’s goal of scoring over 200 runs. Nigar Sultana, on the other hand, believed that if Bangladesh could restrict the visitors to under 150 runs, the chase would be easier.

However, neither captain's predictions came true. Ireland ended up posting a total close to 200, and despite facing a higher target than expected, Bangladesh chased it down with confidence to clinch a record-setting win.

On Saturday, Bangladesh beat Ireland by 5 wickets in the second ODI of the series, chasing down a target of 193 runs with 37 balls to spare at Mirpur.

The win marks Bangladesh’s highest successful run chase on home soil. Last year, they had successfully chased down 167 runs against Pakistan with 26 balls to spare. They've only had higher successful run chases in two other matches.

With the win, Bangladesh clinched the series and also earned an important 4 points in the Women’s Championship.

Farzana Haque scored her second consecutive fifty capped to maintain her solid form from the first match. Sharmin Akhter and captain Nigar made important contributions.

Scorecard summary:

Ireland: 50 overs, 193/6

(Forbes 13, Lewis 2, Hunter 68, Prendergast 37, Delany 33, Paul 10, Raymond-Hoey 21*, Kelly 1*)

Bowlers: Marufa 7-1-38-0, Sultana 10-1-32-2, Nahida 10-1-32-1, Rabeya 10-0-42-0, Fahima 7-0-27-0, Sobhana 2-0-9-0, Shorna 4-0-6-1

Bangladesh: 43.5 overs, 197/5

(Farzana 50, Murshida 6, Sharmin 43, Nigar 40, Sobhana 16, Shorna 29*, Fahima 4*)

Bowlers: Prendergast 4-1-10-1, Canning 7-0-22-1, Kelly 9-0-34-1, Sargent 9-0-44-0, Maguire 8-0-43-0, Delany 6.5-0-43-2