DHAKA, Bangladesh – Ireland Women may have been soundly beaten on paper today, but there were plenty of positives to take forward, according to captain Gaby Lewis.
An economical bowling display by the Ireland seamers kept Ireland in the contest for much of the first innings – with several spilt chances in the field being the potential difference which may have curtailed the Bangladeshi batters.
Orla Prendergast (0-17) and Ava Canning (0-35) both bowled well early without luck, while the young spin duo of Freya Sargent (2-51) and Aimee Maguire (1-62) toiled hard but took some late order punishment.
For the home team, Sharmin Akhter fell just short of her maiden ODI century when she scooped a ball to Arlene Kelly at mid-off when on 96.
Set 253 to win, Ireland’s openers started with intent, with Gaby Lewis (5) and Sarah Forbes (25) both striking attractive boundaries through the off side, but when the visitors lost Lewis and Amy Hunter from consecutive balls in the third over they were immediately on the back foot.
Forbes looked solid during her 51-ball stay, Prendergast (19) showed some touches of brilliance and Laura Delany (22) looked to offer some resistance, but the tail soon fell away with Ireland losing 8-50 in 15 overs to be bundled out for 98.
Here is what Gaby Lewis had to say post-match:
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh Women v Ireland Women, 1st ODI, Mirpur, 27 November 2024
Bangladesh 252-4 (50 overs; S Akhter 96; F Sargent 2-51)
Ireland 98 (28.5 overs; S Forbes 25; N Akhter 3-23)
Bangladesh won by 154 runs
Scorecard link