Sports
Zimbabwe-Bangladesh Bangladesh women bowl out Zimbabwe for 48 runs in opening ODI
Harare, November 11: Following the men's team's debacle at the ICC T20 World Cup, cricket lovers in the country have something to cheer for as the Bangladesh women cricketers crushed hosts Zimbabwe in the opening fixture of the three-match ODI series at Bulawayo on Wednesday.
The victory was delivered by the bowlers, who bowled out the hosts for 48 runs in 23.2 overs.
Winning the toss and fielding first, former skipper Jahanara Alam, Salma Khatun and Nahid Akhter picked up three wickets each, while Ritu Moni took the remaining wicket.
For Zimbabwe, apart from Precious Marange (17), no other batter could score in double-digits.
The visitors chased the target down in 10.4 overs, losing two wickets in the process.
Captain-wicket keeper Murshida Khatun (7) and Sharmin Akhter (8) departed early in the chase, but a safe partnership from Fargana Hoque (11 not out) and Rumana Ahmed (16 not out), ensured safe passage for them.
According to reports, Bangladesh is playing this series to get acclimatized to conditions before the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, which will also be held in Zimbabwe.
The tournament will take place between November 21 and December 5, with three spots up for grabs for the ODI World Cup scheduled for next March-April in New Zealand.
Bangladesh's first match in the qualifier is against Pakistan on November 21.
