Fargana Hoque became the first Bangladeshi women cricketer to score an ODI century during the third and final ODI against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today (July 22).

Bangladesh, electing to bat, got off to a solid start with Fargana and Shamima Sultana stitching together a formidable 93-run opening stand – the second-best opening partnership for Bangladesh in the format. 

Their partnership surpassed the previous record held by Sharmin Akhter and Shukhtara Rahman against Ireland in Savar in 2011.

Fargana scored an unbeaten 107 off 160 deliveries, hitting seven crucial boundaries along the way. The momentous occasion arrived in the final delivery of the 48th over when Fargana took a double off Shefali Verma's delivery to complete her century off 156 deliveries. 

Thanks to Fargana's brilliant innings, Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 225 for four – the Tigresses' second-highest score in ODIs after their remarkable 234 for seven against Pakistan in Hamilton in 2022.

Shamima Sultana, too, played an essential role with her 78-ball 52. 

Unfortunately, she fell one run short of her career-best ODI score when she was caught off a delivery from Sneh Rana in the 27th over.

BDST: 1324 HRS, JULY 22, 2023
SMS