Fahima's magical spell fashions big win
Bangladesh women's cricket team warmed up in the best possible way for their demanding five-match ODI series against South Africa when they thrashed North West Women by 90 runs at North-West University Ground at Potchefstroom yesterday.
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Chasing Bangladesh's impressive 270, North West were bowled out for 180 in 45.4 overs thanks to a magical spell from leg-spinner Fahima Khatun.
The 25-year-old cricketer from Khulna took eight wickets for just five runs in a mesmerising spell of 10 overs that yielded six maidens. With an experience of eight ODIs and best figures of two for 13, Fahima's leg spin was too hot for North West's batters to handle. Although her effort will not count in the ODI record books, her effort served as a morale booster ahead of their demanding series against South Africa that starts on Friday.
There were also some individual milestones for an exposure-starved women's team, who have not played any competitive matches since the away series against Sri Lanka in February last year.
Bangladesh captain Rumana Ahmed and one-down Fargana Hoque struck tons after the visitors decided to bat first. Rumana struck 136 off 144 balls, an innings that contained 20 fours. Fargana played 143 deliveries for her 103 and hit 10 fours. The compelling aspect of the innings was that the pair put on 266 runs for the unbroken third wicket after Bangladesh lost both openers with just four runs on the board inside four overs.
The partnership and the two centuries are certainly something new in the annals of Bangladesh women's cricket, which is yet to deliver an ODI centurion.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Bangladesh: 270 for 2 in 50 overs (Fargana 103 not out, Rumana 136 not out; Bosch 1-31)
North West: 180 all out in 45.4 overs (Brits 62, Nape 20, Fourie 64 not out; Fahima 8-5)
Result: Bangladesh women won by 90 runs.
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