Sports Desk:

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty smashed the fastest century by a Bangladeshi in Women’s ODI cricket, powering the Tigresses to a record total of 271 for three in their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier opener against Thailand in Lahore on Thursday.

Joty struck 101 off 80 balls, reaching her century in just 78 deliveries. Her knock, which included 15 boundaries and a six, broke the previous record held by Fargana Hoque, who had scored a 156-ball ton against India in Mirpur in 2023.

Bangladesh’s previous highest total in Women’s ODIs was 252 for four, achieved against Ireland in Mirpur last year.

On Thursday match, Joty shared a 152-run third-wicket partnership with Sharmin Akhter, who remained unbeaten on 94 off 126 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries. Fargana Hoque contributed with a 53-run knock off 82 balls.