IRE-W vs BAN-W: Fargana, Rumana help Bangladesh lift T20 World Cup Qualifiers title

Rumana Ahmed (PC: Twitter)

Bangladesh Women prevailed by seven runs over Ireland Women to win the T20 World Cup Qualifiers title on Sunday (September 25) at Abu Dhabi. Ahead of this fixture, both teams were already qualified for the show-piece event.

Fargana propels Bangladesh to a competitive total

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh's top run-scorers Murshida Khatun and Nigar Sultana were dismissed for 6 each, which put them under the pump. 

However, a 49-run stand between Fargana Hoque (61 off 55) and Rumana Ahmed (21 off 20) helped them to post a total of 120 on the board. 

Laura Delany was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland with three scalps, followed by Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray taking two apiece. 

Rumana's spell seals the game for Bangladesh

Chasing a stiff total, Ireland's openers Amy Hunter (7) and Gaby Lewis (2) made their way back into the hut until the fifth over. 

Coming after the fielding restrictions got eased, Ahmed took the wickets of Eimear Richardson (18) and Shauna Kavanagh (0) in quick succession. Soon, the skipper Laura Delany (12) was a victim of Ahmed as well. 

In the end, Arlene Kelly remained unbeaten on 28 off 24 balls, as Bangladesh won the game by seven runs. 

Brief Scores

Bangladesh Women: 120/8 (20)
Fargana Hoque 61 (55), Rumana Ahmed 21 (20);
Laura Delany 3/27, Arlene Kelly 2/17

Ireland Women: 113/9 (20)
Arlene Kelly 28* (24), Eimear Richardson 18 (15)
Rumana Ahmed 3/24, Sanjida Akter Meghla 2/16

Bangladesh Women won by seven runs

Read more: Babar Azam speaks on Pakistan’s roller-coaster victory in the 4th T20I