In a spectacular display of dominance, Bangladesh women’s cricket team kicked off their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign with a record-breaking win against Thailand in Lahore on Thursday.
Setting a new national benchmark, Bangladesh posted a massive total of 271 runs — their highest ever in women’s ODIs — before skittling out Thailand for just 93 in 28.5 overs to seal a commanding 178-run victory.
This triumph not only marked a winning start to the qualifiers but also surpassed their previous biggest win by margin, a 154-run victory over Ireland.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss at the Lahore City Cricket Ground, Bangladesh suffered an early blow with Ishma Tanzim falling cheaply. But a composed 104-run stand between Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque stabilized the innings. Fargana departed after a steady 53 off 82 balls.
What followed was a masterclass in batting. Sharmin and captain Nigar Sultana Joty built a mammoth 152-run partnership for the third wicket. Nigar brought up her century in just 79 balls — the fastest ever by a Bangladeshi woman — finishing with 100 off 80 deliveries, including 15 fours and a six. She was dismissed on the final ball of the innings. Meanwhile, Sharmin remained unbeaten on 94 from 126 balls.
Bangladesh’s previous highest total of 252 came against Ireland in November 2024 — a mark they comfortably eclipsed today.
In reply, Thailand’s chase never gained momentum as Bangladeshi bowlers ran riot. Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdous shared all ten wickets equally, both picking up five-fors to bundle Thailand out for 93.
With this thumping win, Bangladesh have made a powerful statement at the start of their World Cup qualifying journey.
LND/NE
