The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025 is turning out to be a tournament like no other, with thrilling encounters that are rewriting the history books of women’s cricket.
One such match that has left everyone in awe is the showdown between Bangladesh and Thailand, where Bangladesh’s spin duo, Jannatul Ferdus and Fahima Khatun, etched their names in history by achieving their maiden five-wicket hauls in a single Women’s ODI. This groundbreaking performance not only led to a convincing victory over Thailand but also marked a significant milestone in the world of women’s cricket.
The match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground will be remembered for a long time, thanks to the mesmerizing spells of Jannatul Ferdus and Fahima Khatun. Jannatul Ferdus, with figures of 5-3-7-5, showed incredible control and guile, while Fahima Khatun’s consistency with 8.5-1-25-5 was equally impressive.
Together, they single-handedly dismantled Thailand’s batting lineup, dismissing them for a mere 93 runs after setting a record total of 272. This feat makes them the first duo in Women’s ODI history to achieve maiden five-wicket hauls in the same match. Bangladesh sealed the game by 178 runs, also marking the biggest margin of victory for Bangladesh in an ODI, surpassing their previous best of 154 against Ireland last year.
Before the spin duo took over, it was Bangladesh’s captain, Nigar Sultana Joty, who stole the show with a blistering century. Her innings of 101 off 80 balls, which included 15 boundaries and a six, set the tone for Bangladesh’s monumental total.
The 152-run 3rd wicket partnership between Joty and Sharmin Akhter, who remained unbeaten on 94, provided the perfect platform for Bangladesh to assert their dominance. Joty’s century not only secured the Player of the Match award but also cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile and impactful batters in the world of women’s cricket.
This massive win has catapulted Bangladesh to a strong position in the tournament standings. The margin of victory significantly boosts their net run rate, which is crucial in deciding final standings, especially if there are ties. Bangladesh’s impressive performance against Thailand sends a clear message to other contenders that they are serious about securing a spot in the World Cup. With such formidable performances both with the bat and ball, Bangladesh looks poised to make their case for a qualification spot.
Achieving maiden five-wicket hauls by two bowlers in a single Women’s ODI is a testament to the growing prowess and depth of women’s cricket globally. It is also only the 2nd instance in the overall history of ODI cricket, that a couple of bowlers have taken a five-wicket haul each in a single game.
Their game-defining spells have placed them in the 2nd and 4th position on the list of best bowling figures for Bangladesh in Women’s ODIs. This milestone not only highlights the emerging talent in Bangladesh but also embodies the rising standards of the game worldwide.
For young cricketers around the world, Jannatul Ferdus and Fahima Khatun are now role models, demonstrating what dedication and skill can achieve at the highest level. As women’s cricket continues to gain popularity and attract new fans, achievements like these will remain pivotal in pushing the boundaries of the sport.
The collective brilliance of Nigar Sultana Joty, Jannatul Ferdus, and Fahima Khatun is setting the stage for a fascinating tournament that will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions on fans and the sport itself. As Bangladesh and other teams continue their journey towards the World Cup, one thing is certain, the future of women’s cricket is brighter than ever.
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