The national women’s teams of Bangladesh and Ireland are slated to face off in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The series opener, the 1st ODI, will be hosted at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, on the 27th of November 2024, at 9:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Bangladesh women’s cricket team
Nigar Sultana (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Murshida Khatun, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Sultana Khatun, Taj Nehar, Sanjida Akter
Ireland women’s cricket team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Alice Tector
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana
The 27-year-old keeper-batter has accumulated 897 runs from 42 ODI innings, at an average of 23.60, with the highest score of 73. Nigar has been the leading batter for Bangladesh, and in her most recent campaign, the T20 World Cup, she registered consecutive scores of 18, 15, 39, and 32*. It is hoped that she builds on this momentum, notching up big scores in this series and leading the scoring.
Jahanara Alam
The 31-year-old pacer has picked up 48 wickets from 52 ODI outings, at an economy rate of 4.26, with the best of 3/18, while also chipping in scoring 185 runs from 36 batting innings. On the back of an excellent domestic season, Jahanara returned to the senior national ODI team after last featuring against Sri Lanka, where she produced figures of 1/35 and 1/47. She can be counted on for wickets.
Laura Delany
The 30-year-old all-rounder from 54 ODI outings has posted 1,060 runs, at an average of 29.43, and from 39 innings, has taken 27 wickets, at an economy rate of 4.39, with bests of 109 and 3/26. Laura had an outstanding year in international cricket before being ruled out of the summer series due to an injury. She is an experienced campaigner and can be relied upon to deliver the goods.
Orla Prendergast
The 22-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, has amassed 688 runs from 26 outings, at an average of 32.76, and has also bagged 12 wickets from 16 innings, at an economy rate of 4.71. Orla has been in outstanding form of late and, following a breakthrough summer season, landed a Women’s Big Bash League gig where she found notable success. She can be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Shere Bangla National Stadium favors bowlers, especially spinners, and poses challenges for batters. The spin-friendly conditions result in an average score in the 170s, demanding batters to exhibit discipline to achieve a competitive total.
Weather:
Mirpur promises ideal conditions for a game of cricket, with clear and bright skies. The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 57%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana, Amy Hunter, Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis, Murshida Khatun, Orla Prendergast, Fahima Khatun, Laura Delany, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Freya Sargent
Match details:
Date – November 27, 2024
Time – 9:30 AM IST
Venue – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on Bangladesh Cricket Board YouTube channel.
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