DHAKA, Bangladesh – Ireland Women lost in the second ODI but still have hopes for ICC Women’s Champions points, says the captain.
For the first time in the series, skipper Gaby Lewis won the toss and immediately called to bat first after Wednesday’s defeat in the first ODI.
Ireland Women however soon found themselves in difficulty losing the skipper at 9-1 and then her fellow opener Sarah Forbes with the score at 35-2.
Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast put on 91 for the third wicket with extremely watchful play against spin but both departed not long after Hunter brought up a fine fifty.
Laura Delany looked to consolidate first alongside Leah Paul, then Úna Raymond-Hoey. A final burst of impetus brought Ireland Women to 193-6 which gave them something they could look to defend.
In response Bangladesh’s openers remained careful particularly against Prendergast with the allrounder prizing out Khatun expertly caught by Lewis at gully.
Ireland were then able to apply pressure bowling stump to stump with a slow wicket not making thinkings easy for the chasing side.
Laura Delany chipped in with two important wickets, while both Ava Canning and Arlene Kelly claimed one each.
The home side though managed to weather the storm with the Bangladeshi skipper Joty providing a crucial 40 from 39 to see her side as close to the total as she could manage.
A five wicket win gave Bangladesh the series, but attention moves quickly to the final ODI on Monday morning with potentially important ICC Women’s Championship League points up for grabs.
Here is what Gaby Lewis had to say post-match:
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh Women v Ireland Women, 2nd ODI, Mirpur, 30 November 2024
Ireland 193-6 (50 overs; A Hunter 68; S Khatun 2-32)
Bangladesh 197-5 (43.5 overs; F Hoque 50; L Delany 2-43)
Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
