Bangladesh Women and Ireland Women served up a tightly fought and engaging contest in the 16th match of Group A at Mulpani on January 24, 2026, in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, where momentum swung repeatedly before Bangladesh held their nerve to seal a narrow nine-run victory. The match unfolded as a classic T20 battle built on partnerships, individual brilliance, and small moments that ultimately defined the outcome.
Bangladesh Women began with positive intent despite losing an early wicket. Dilara Akter looked fluent from the outset, countering Ireland’s new-ball discipline with crisp timing and smart placement. She found early support from debutant Juairiya Ferdous, and the pair stitched together a steady opening stand that ensured Bangladesh did not lose momentum in the powerplay.
The breakthrough eventually came when Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for 11 off 10 balls, caught by Arlene Kelly off Alana Dalzell, but by then Bangladesh had laid a solid platform. Dilara continued to anchor the innings, reaching 35 off 27 deliveries with five boundaries before Lara McBride broke the partnership. The innings truly gathered substance when Sharmin Akhter joined the middle. Alongside skipper Nigar Sultana, Sharmin steadied the innings during a slightly quiet phase, rotating strike effectively and rebuilding after wickets.
Nigar Sultana contributed 13 off 13 balls before falling to Jane Maguire, but Sharmin remained unflustered. Her partnership with Sobhana Mostary proved decisive. Sobhana injected late momentum with a blistering 30 off just 16 balls, including three sixes, as the duo added quick runs in the death overs. Sharmin Akhter’s composed 52 off 45 balls, featuring five fours and a six, earning her the Player of the Match award. Bangladesh closed their innings at a competitive 153 for 7, despite late wickets that included Sobhana Mostary and Shorna Akter.
Ireland’s bowling effort was led by Jane Maguire, who picked up two crucial wickets, while Orla Prendergast was exceptional in the middle overs, conceding just 15 runs in her four overs and claiming one wicket. Alana Dalzell and Lara McBride also chipped in with a wicket apiece, although Arlene Kelly’s figures reflected the pressure created by Bangladesh’s aggressive finishing.
Chasing 154, Ireland Women started confidently through captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. The opening partnership provided stability, with Lewis playing the aggressor while Hunter rotated strike efficiently. The stand was worth 53 before Hunter retired not out, which momentarily disrupted Ireland’s rhythm. Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul fell in quick succession, both victims of Shorna Akter’s sharp bowling, as Bangladesh tightened the screws during the middle overs.
Gaby Lewis stood tall amid the pressure, crafting a superb 73 off 58 balls, laced with ten fours and a six. Her partnerships with Laura Delany and later Rebecca Stokell kept Ireland in the hunt, even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Delany’s 13 and Stokell’s unbeaten 8 added valuable runs, but Bangladesh’s bowlers held their lines in the closing stages. Rabeya Khan claimed the prized wicket of Lewis, while Shorna Akter finished with two wickets. Ritu Moni was economical, conceding just 18 runs in four overs, and Marufa Akter applied control with the new ball.
Ireland finished on 144 for 4 in their 20 overs, falling just short despite a valiant chase. Bangladesh Women’s disciplined bowling at the death and their ability to build partnerships with the bat proved the difference. The win strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Group A, while Ireland, despite the loss, took positives from Lewis’s captain’s knock and a spirited all-round performance that kept the contest alive until the final overs.
