Ritu Moni’s unbeaten 67 leads Bangladesh to second straight victory in Lahore.
April 14, 2025—Bangladesh pulled off a sensational two-wicket win over Ireland in a nail-biting ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, thanks to a heroic all-round display led by Ritu Moni.
Chasing a competitive target of 236, Bangladesh were in deep trouble at 186 for eight. But Ritu Moni, displaying nerves of steel, forged an unbroken 54-run ninth-wicket partnership with Nahida Akter (18 not out) to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Ritu sealed the win in style, smashing a six in the penultimate over to complete a remarkable comeback and remain unbeaten on 67 off just 61 balls.
Earlier, Ireland posted 235 for eight after choosing to bat first. Captain Laura Delany top-scored with a composed 63, while Orla Prendergast contributed a vital 41 in a strong middle-order stand. Rabeya Khan was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers with 3 for 39, supported by Fahima Khatun’s 2 for 50.
Ireland’s hopes of a first win in the tournament looked bright when Prendergast struck twice early in the Bangladeshi chase, reducing them to two for two. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings with a fighting 51, but wickets continued to tumble, leaving Bangladesh on the brink. Then came the Ritu Moni show.
Displaying calm under pressure, she turned the tide with aggressive strokeplay and clever rotation of strike, guiding Bangladesh to their second consecutive win in the qualifiers. Ireland, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after suffering a third consecutive narrow defeat.
In the earlier match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, Scotland secured a convincing 58-run win over Thailand. Skipper Kathryn Bryce led from the front with a gritty 60, well supported by Megan McColl’s 57 as Scotland posted 206 all out in 41 overs.
In reply, Thailand started positively but faltered against disciplined bowling. Natthakan Chantham stood tall with 63, but the Scottish trio of Rachel Slater (3/9), Abtaha Maqsood (3/26), and Katherine Fraser (3/28) ensured wickets fell at regular intervals to wrap up Thailand’s innings for 148 in 31.3 overs.
Scores in Brief:
Bangladesh vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Ireland: 235/8 in 50 overs (Delany 63, Prendergast 41; Rabeya Khan 3/39)
Bangladesh: 240/8 in 48.4 overs (Ritu Moni 67*, Nigar Sultana 51; Prendergast 2/14)
Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets
Scotland vs Thailand – LCCA Ground, Lahore
Scotland: 206 all out in 41 overs (Bryce 60, McColl 57; Putthawong 3/28)
Thailand: 148 all out in 31.3 overs (Chantham 63; Slater 3/9)
Result: Scotland won by 58 runs
Source: ICC
