Fargana becomes first Bangladeshi woman cricketer to score ODI ton

Fargana Hoque became the first Bangladeshi woman cricketer to score an ODI century during the third and final ODI against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

Thanks to Fargana's 107 off 160 deliveries, Bangladesh posted 225 for four -- the Tigresses' second-highest score in ODIs after 234 for seven against Pakistan in Hamilton in 2022.

The momentous occasion for Bangladesh women's cricket arrived in the final delivery of the 48th over when Fargana drove a Shafali Verma delivery for a boundary through the covers to complete her century off 156 deliveries. 

Fargana's incredible knock ended when she was made run-out in the final delivery of the game. Featuring seven boundaries, this is also the highest score by a Bangladeshi woman in ODIs. The previous best score in ODIs for Bangladesh women's team was Salma Khatun's unbeaten 92-ball 75 against India in Ahmedabad in 2013.

Electing to bat, Bangladesh got off to a solid start as Fargana and Shamima Sultana stitched together a 93-run opening stand -- the second-best opening stand for Bangladesh in the format after a 113-run stand between Sharmin Akhter and Shukhtara Rahman against Ireland in Savar in 2011. 

Shamima's 78-ball 52, one run shy of her career-best ODI score, came to an end in the 27th over when she was caught off a Sneh Rana delivery.

For India, Sneh Rana remained the pick of the bowler, registering figures of two for 45 in 10 overs. 

The three-match series is levelled 1-1, with a prospect for Bangladesh to seal their maiden ODI series win over India.