Dhaka: Bangladesh Women’s cricket team sharpen their skill ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 group campaign securing a 39 runs victory against Ireland in the one-off warm-up match at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 136 runs, Ireland played out stipulated 50 overs to collect 196 for 9 wickets, including opener Meg Kendal’s half century of 54 runs off 71 balls that involved seven boundaries. Kim Garth and Clare Shillington added 39 and 26 runs respectively for the side.

Khadija Tul Kubra did a remarkable job grabbing four wickets for economic 36 runs in 10 overs for Bangladesh.

Jahanara Alam bagged two wickets for 27 runs in 10 overs while Rumana Ahmed and Salma Khatun took one wicket each for 31 and 44 runs.

Tigresses’ skipper Rumana Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first to collect a decent figure of 235 for 8 in 50 overs, including Nigar Sultana’s half century of 51 runs.

Number 6 player Nigar Sultana fired eight boundaries off 67 balls and was bowled out by Ciara Metcalfe, leaving team total at 205/6 in 45.4 overs.

Opener Sharmin Sultana fell short of three runs for a half century playing an innings of 87-ball to fire seven boundaries, while Salma Khatun (38), Sharmin Akhter (29) and Shaila Sharmin (not out 21) were the other notable scorers for the side.

Kim Garth captured three wickets for 60 runs in nine overs while Ciara Metcalfe bagged two for 31 runs in 10 overs. Isobel Joyce and Gaby Lewis took one wicket each for 24 and 27 runs.

However, for the qualification battles the Tigresses were pitted in the five-team Group B with South Africa, Pakistan, Scotland and Papua New Guinea. Group ‘A’ comprises India, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Thailand.

In the group stage matches, Bangladesh will play against Papua New Guinea on February 7, Pakistan on February 8, Scotland on February 10 and South Africa on February 11.

On completion of their group round, top three teams from each group (A&B) will move to super-six stage and will vie for four seats to join with defending champion Australia, England, New Zealand and the West Indies, who have qualified automatically after finishing in the top four of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Brief Score:

Bangladesh: 235/8 in 50 overs; Nigar Sultana 51, Sharmin Sultana 47, Salma Khatun 38, Sharmin Akhter 29, Shaila Sharmin 21(not out), Kim Garth 3/60, Ciara Metcalfe 2/31, Isobel Joyce 1/24, Gaby Lewis 1/27.

Ireland Women 196/9 in 50 overs; Meg Kendal 54, Kim Garth 39, Clare Shillington 26, Khadija Tul Kubra 4/36, Jahanara Alam 2/27, Rumana Ahmed 1/31, Salma Khatun 1/44.