Record Tail-End Stand Helps BAN Virtually Knock IRE Out of WC Race
In a thrilling encounter, Bangladesh staged an incredible comeback to defeat Ireland by two wickets in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Qualifier. The match will be remembered for a record-breaking ninth-wicket stand of 54 runs between Ritu Moni and Nahida Akter, which helped Bangladesh virtually knock Ireland out of the World Cup race.
Chasing 236, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious situation at 94-5, with their hopes of winning seemingly dwindling. However, the tail-end duo of Moni and Akter had other plans. The pair battled hard, putting together a record-breaking partnership that will be etched in the history books for a long time.
The previous highest ninth-wicket stand in a successful chase was 47 runs, set by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Hannah Rowe in 2015. Moni and Akter not only bettered that record but also became the first pair to put together a fifty-run partnership for the ninth wicket in a successful chase.
The duo’s heroics were all the more remarkable considering the pressure they were under. Ireland had set a competitive target of 236, thanks to half-centuries from Laura Delany and Gaby Lewis. Bangladesh’s top order had struggled to get going, with only Shamima Sultana and Fargana Hoque managing to score in double digits.
However, Moni and Akter had a different plan in mind. They batted with caution and discipline, rotating the strike and taking occasional risks to keep the scoreboard ticking. Their partnership was built on a solid foundation, with Moni contributing 26 runs off 44 balls and Akter scoring 28 runs off 36 balls.
The duo’s effort was all the more impressive considering the context of the game. Ireland’s bowlers, led by Laura Maritz, had been economical and had made life difficult for the Bangladesh batswomen. However, Moni and Akter refused to give up, and their partnership was the key to Bangladesh’s victory.
In the end, Bangladesh reached their target with two wickets in hand, with Moni being the last wicket to fall. The win has virtually knocked Ireland out of the World Cup race, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the remaining matches.
The victory has been a huge boost for Bangladesh, who now have a fighting chance of making it to the World Cup. The team’s captain, Rumana Ahmed, hailed the efforts of her tail-end duo, saying, “Ritu and Nahida batted incredibly well. They showed a lot of character and determination. It was a great win for us, and we’re thrilled to have come out on top.”
For Ireland, the loss is a huge setback. The team had been performing well in the tournament, but this defeat has dealt a significant blow to their chances of making it to the World Cup. The team’s coach, Adam Laux, said, “We’re disappointed with the loss. We had a good total on the board, but Bangladesh’s tail-end duo played incredibly well. We’ll have to regroup and come back stronger in our remaining matches.”
In conclusion, the record-breaking ninth-wicket stand between Ritu Moni and Nahida Akter has been a huge talking point in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Qualifier. The duo’s effort has not only helped Bangladesh win a thrilling match but has also virtually knocked Ireland out of the World Cup race. As the tournament continues, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and record-breaking performances.
