Chanida sutthiruang

World Cup Qualifier: Bangladesh Women's captain Nigar Sultana struck her maiden ODI century in style, while spinners Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus shared all ten wickets to lead the team to a commanding 178-run win over Thailand in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday.

Sultana’s 78-ball century, complemented by Sharmin Akhter’s unbeaten 94, propelled Bangladesh to their highest-ever ODI total — 271/3 — eclipsing their previous best of 252. In reply, Thailand collapsed for just 93, their lowest total in the format, as Bangladesh registered their biggest win by runs in ODIs.

After losing Ishma Tanjim early in the fourth over, Bangladesh's innings was anchored by a 104-run second-wicket partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque. Hoque made a fluent half-century off 75 balls before falling to a top-edged slog sweep on 53.