Ireland lost their Women’s World Cup Qualifier warm-up against Bangladesh by 39 runs in the sweltering heat of Colombo.
Ireland lost their Women’s World Cup Qualifier warm-up against Bangladesh by 39 runs in the sweltering heat of Colombo.
Chasing a Bangladesh total of 235 for 8, Ireland made a solid start as Meg Kendal and Cecelia Joyce (18) shared an opening stand of 56.
Kendal struck 7 boundaries in a top score of 54, but the Girls In Green were always playing catch-up as they struggled to break the shackles of an impressive Bangladeshi bowling unit.
Kim Garth chipped in with 39 but with the required run-rate reaching double figures, scoreboard pressure told as Ireland attempted to accelerate.
Clare Shillington threatened briefly in a breezy 26 from just 15 balls (4 fours, 1 six), but in truth Bangladesh were always on top as they closed out the game.
Spinner Khadija Kul Kubra (4-36) was the destroyer-in-chief for The Tigresses.
Earlier, Kim Garth (3-60) – fresh from her Big Bash success – took the top three wickets, while the ever consistent Ciara Metcalfe claimed 2 for 31.
Ireland had looked in control as Bangladesh stuttered to 128 for 5, but the momentum shifted thanks primarily to a 6th wicket stand of 77 in 73 balls between top scorer Nigar Sultana (51) and Salma Khatun (38).
Ireland’s first game in the tournament proper is on Tuesday, when they face Zimbabwe, who beat Scotland by 95 runs in their warm-up match.
There are four World Cup places on offer for the ten participating teams.
Ireland are in Group A alongside competition favourites India, hosts Sri Lanka, Thailand and Zimbabwe.
ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier Warm-up,
At NCC, Colombo
Bangladesh Women – 235/8 (50 overs; N Sultana 51, S Sultana 47, S Khatun 38, K Garth 3-60, C Metcalfe 2-31)
Ireland Women- 196/9 (50 overs; M Kendal 54, K Garth 39, C Shillington 26, KT Kubra 4-36)
Bangladesh won by 39 runs
Yes
Connaught
