Ritu Moni produced a sensational unbeaten half-century to guide Bangladesh to a thrilling two-wicket two-wicket win over Ireland in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.

Chasing a 236-run target, Bangladesh were in deep trouble at 82-4 in the 22nd over. However, Ritu held firm under pressure, anchoring the chase with a composed unbeaten 61-ball 67, featuring six boundaries and a six. Her innings proved decisive as the Tigresses crossed the finish line with eight balls to spare.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also contributed with a steady 51 off 68 balls, but her dismissal in the 26th over left Bangladesh reeling at 94 for 5, still well short of the target. Ritu then took charge, building key partnerships with the lower order to turn the game around.

Batting at number six, Ritu added 45 runs with Fahima Khatun (28 off 38), 40 runs with Jannatul Ferdus (19 off 23), and a record-setting 54-run ninth-wicket stand with Nahida Akter (18 off 17), steering Bangladesh to a dramatic win.

Earlier, Ireland had posted a total of 235 for 8, thanks to a 75-ball 63 from Laura Delaney and a 64-ball 41 from Orla Prendergast. Bangladesh's leg-spinners Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun played pivotal roles with the ball, claiming three for 39 and two for 50, respectively, to restrict the Irish innings.