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 today.

Chasing Bangladesh's impressive 270, North West were bowled out for 180 in 45.5 overs thanks to a magical spell from leg-spinner Fahima Kathun.

The 26-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 2/13, Fahima's leg spin was too hot to handle for North West batswomen.  Although Fahima's effort will not count in the ODI record books, her effort served as morale booster ahead of their demanding series against South Africa, with first ODI on Friday.

It was also a game of 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 won the toss and decided to bat. Rumana struck 136 off 144 balls, an innings that contained 20 fours. Fargana played 143 deliveries for her 102 with 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 their 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.