Bangladesh women's cricket team got off to a flying start in their ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers campaign, crushing Thailand by a staggering 178 runs in their opening match at the LCCA Ground in Lahore on Thursday.
The victory marked Bangladesh's biggest win in WODI history and came on the back of a record-shattering display with both bat and ball.
Leading from the front, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty smashed her maiden WODI century — a whirlwind 101 off just 80 balls — becoming the fastest Bangladeshi batter to reach the milestone. Her innings broke the previous record set by Fargana Hoque, whose 156-ball century came against India in 2023.
Joty walked in at number four following a solid 53-run knock from opener Farzana Hoque and took charge alongside Sharmin Akhter, who anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 94 off 126 balls. Together, they powered Bangladesh to their highest-ever total in the 50-over format — 271 for 3 — surpassing the previous best of 252 for 4, scored against Ireland in Mirpur.
The batters' brilliance was perfectly complemented by a ruthless bowling attack. Spin duo Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus wreaked havoc, claiming five wickets each — Fahima with 5 for 21 and Jannatul with a miserly 5 for 7 — as Thailand crumbled for just 93 runs in 28.5 overs.
The Tigresses will next face Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with confidence riding high after their record-breaking performance.