LAHORE: Captain Nigar Sultana’s maiden century and an unbeaten 94-run knock by Sharmin Akhtar backed by some devastating bowling from spinners Jannatul Ferdus and Fahima Khatun gave Bangladesh a massive 178-run win over Thailand in their One-day International of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier here at the LCCA ground on Thursday.

After being sent in to bat first, Bangladesh totalled a solid 271 for the loss of three wickets off the allotted 50 overs. Thailand, in response, were bundled out for 93 in 28.5 overs. As many as eight Thai players could not enter double figures.

In an exceptional bowling show, off-spinner Jannatul and leg-spinner Fahima claimed five wickets apiece — the first time that two bowlers in a women’s ODI picked up five-wickets.

The huge victory put Bangladesh at the top on the points table on net-run-rate where Pakistan are second place and Scotland third, with all teams having won one match each. West Indies, Ireland and Thailand are winless in the event so far.

In the fourth over, Bangladesh lost opener Ishma Tanjim (eight) who was caught behind off Phannita Maya with just 15 runs on the board.

Taking charge, experienced batters Fargana Hoque (53) and Sharmin then put Bangladesh back on track as they reached the 100-mark in 23.2 overs. The pair put on 104 runs.

Sharmin smashed 11 fours during her 126-ball knock while Fargana faced 82 balls and struck four fours.

After the departure of Fargana who was dismissed by Onnicha Kamchomphu in the 28th over, Nigar joined Sharmin as the duo added an invaluable 152 runs for the third wicket — the biggest partnership of the tournament so far — which lifted Bangladesh to a solid total. Player the 54th ODI of her career, right-handed Nigar was more aggressive than Sharmin as the skipper completed the century off only 78 balls in the final over before being dismissed by Thipatcha Putthawong. She cracked 15 fours and a six during her 80-ball stay. Nigar was rightly given the player-of-the-match award.

Thailand openers Nattaya Boochat­ham (17 off 36) and Nattaya Boocha­tham (22 off 26) started the chase solidly with a 38-run stand but Fahima’s first ball of the tournament broke their resistance as Sutthiruang was bowled in the ninth over.

Fahima then ran through Thailand’s top-order batting to leave them reeling at 47-3 in the 15th over.

From there, Jannatul took charge claiming five wickets for the loss of just seven runs in her five overs — three of which were maiden — to decimate Thailand’s middle order. These were the very first ODI wickets for the 25-year-old player who was playing only her third ODI, and first since 2018.

With one wicket remaining, Fahima had the opportunity to claim a first five-fer of her 12-year career as Thailand were sent packing. Fahima, 32, took five wickets for 21 runs in 8.5 overs in her 45th ODI.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025