Women’s international cricket has gained a competitive edge thanks to the Women’s Championship, ensuring fewer games are played without meaningful stakes. This three-match series between Bangladesh Women and Ireland Women carries weight as both sides battle to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings heading into the festive period.
With both teams eager to prove their mettle, we anticipate a closely contested opener at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. While Ireland comes into this game with the momentum of a historic win against England, the conditions in Bangladesh will test their adaptability against a spin-heavy attack.
Match Details
- Match: Bangladesh Women vs Ireland Women, 1st WODI
- Date: November 28, 2024
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
- Time: 10:00 AM Local Time
Team Previews
Bangladesh Women
Bangladesh Women return to WODI cricket after an eight-month hiatus, with their last outing being a heavy defeat to Australia. Captain Nigar Sultana will be eager to inspire a turnaround in front of the home crowd.
The batters, including Fargana Hoque and Murshida Khatun, will look to rebuild confidence against a less intimidating Irish bowling attack. On the bowling front, the spin duo of Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun will relish the conditions in Mirpur.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Nigar Sultana: The skipper’s leadership and batting will be crucial.
- Nahida Akter: Her spin bowling on the Mirpur track could be a game-changer.
- Rabeya Khan: Emerging as a key bowler, she’ll look to exploit Ireland’s weaknesses against spin.
Predicted XI:
Fargana Hoque, Sumaiya Akter, Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana (c) (wk), Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter
Ireland Women
Ireland Women arrive with confidence after their rain-affected victory against England earlier this year. However, conditions in Mirpur will be vastly different from the seaming tracks of Belfast. Captain Gaby Lewis will lean on her team’s top-order batters to set a platform while the bowlers face the challenge of tackling spin-friendly pitches.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Gaby Lewis: The skipper must anchor the innings to counter Bangladesh’s spin.
- Orla Prendergast: A dependable all-rounder, her performance with both bat and ball will be vital.
- Freya Sargent: The pacer’s ability to find breakthroughs could shift momentum in Ireland’s favor.
Predicted XI:
Amy Hunter (wk), Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Una Raymond-Hoey, Alice Tector, Jane Maguire, Alana Dalzell, Freya Sargent, Aimee Maguire
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Mirpur pitch is known for its turn and low bounce, making it a haven for spinners. Batters who apply themselves and play with a straight bat will find success. A first-innings score of 255+ should be competitive, as the surface is expected to slow down in the second innings.
Weather Forecast
It will be a sunny day in Mirpur, with temperatures hovering between 22°C and 28°C. Humidity will remain manageable at around 50%, offering comfortable playing conditions for both teams.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss will likely mean batting first, as the pitch tends to deteriorate, making chasing difficult.
Key Battles to Watch
- Nigar Sultana vs Gaby Lewis: The captains’ battle will dictate their respective teams’ approach and momentum.
- Nahida Akter vs Orla Prendergast: Nahida’s guile against Orla’s attacking intent promises excitement.
- Rabeya Khan vs Amy Hunter: Rabeya’s spin could trouble Ireland’s young wicketkeeper-batter early in the innings.
Winning Prediction
Ireland Women made headlines with their victory against England, but playing in Mirpur is a different challenge altogether. Bangladesh Women’s local knowledge, spin strength, and hunger to bounce back give them the edge in this contest.
Prediction: Bangladesh Women to win
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