In a spectacular display of skill and leadership, Bangladesh Women’s cricket team captain, Nigar Sultana, scored her maiden Women’s One Day International (ODI) century against Thailand in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. The match, held on April 10, 2025, at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, saw Bangladesh secure a commanding 178-run victory, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.​

Nigar Sultana’s stellar innings

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh faced an early setback with the loss of opener Ishma Tanjim for just 8 runs. However, the innings gained momentum as Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter steadied the ship. Hoque contributed a solid 53 runs off 82 balls before being dismissed. Akhter continued her impressive form, remaining unbeaten with 94 runs off 126 balls, anchoring the innings effectively.​

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Sultana’s performance. Coming in at number four, the captain exhibited exceptional batting prowess, scoring 101 runs off just 80 balls. Her innings were laced with 15 boundaries and a six, reflecting a strike rate of 126.25. Sultana’s partnership with Akhter was instrumental in propelling Bangladesh to a formidable total. The duo added 152 runs for the third wicket, with Sultana reaching her century in the final over before being dismissed on the last ball of the innings. This century marked Sultana’s first in ODI cricket, a testament to her growing stature in the international arena.​

Bangladesh’s dominant victory over Thailand

Setting a challenging target of 272, Bangladesh’s bowlers complemented their batters’ efforts with a clinical performance. Thailand’s innings began cautiously, but they struggled to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. Fahima Khatun emerged as the standout bowler, claiming five wickets for just 21 runs in her 8.5-over spell. Her scalps included key top-order batters, effectively dismantling Thailand’s batting lineup.​

Jannatul Ferdus also delivered a remarkable performance, taking five wickets for a mere 7 runs in her 5-over spell, including three maidens. Her economical and penetrative bowling left Thailand reeling. The combined efforts of Khatun and Ferdus ensured that Thailand was bowled out for just 93 runs in 28.5 overs. This comprehensive victory by 178 runs underscored Bangladesh’s dominance in the match and highlighted their preparedness for the challenges ahead in the tournament.​

Also WATCH: Chinelle Henry hits the bullseye to dismiss Alisa Lister in Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025

Here’s how fans reacted:

Captain’s innings by Nigar Sultana against Thailand in the World Cup Qualifier 2025 🔥🙌🏏#women #cricket #nigarsultana #WorldCupQualifiers #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/XKpaPr2SNs

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) April 10, 2025

Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty’s maiden ODI 💯 powered Bangladesh to their highest-ever Women’s ODI total 💪

📝: https://t.co/lP9FDvCP26 pic.twitter.com/BMDR6lmYpP

— ICC (@ICC) April 10, 2025

Nigar Sultana, captain and wicketkeeper (c & wk) of the Bangladesh women’s team, smashed a superb century, leading by example with the bat. A standout performer and true leader on the field.#NigarSultana #Century #BangladeshCricket #WomenInCricket #CaptainKnock pic.twitter.com/a5DBMc3lIE

— nagendra_th (@nagendra_th) April 10, 2025

Strike Rate of 128.21🤯

First WODI 💯 for captain Nigar Sultana Joty.🥰🇧🇩

Bangladesh Women’s 271-3(50) vs Thailand Women’s.✅🏏#WWCQ2025 #BANwvsTHAIw
📸:@imfemalecricket pic.twitter.com/pg3OKBddov

— Kazi Tanvir Hossain 🇧🇩 (@kt16tanvir) April 10, 2025

Nigar Sultana Joty is so so good 🇧🇩

— Tim 🐍⚾️✈️🏒🦁🏈🌴🏏 (@CricketWI93) April 10, 2025

FINALLY!!! 💯

Maiden ODI hundred for Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty. She scored 101 off just 80 balls and took Bangladesh to 271 runs against Thailand in World Cup qualifier game. 👏🏻 https://t.co/Qtwmvt5NwP

— Md Asiqul Islam🏏 (@MdAsiqulIslam6) April 10, 2025

Nigar Sultana Joty makes history with her maiden ODI 💯, leading Bangladesh to their highest-ever Women’s ODI total! https://t.co/EQ5wKwFOA4

— sapna choudhary (@KanuChoudh31561) April 10, 2025

🚨 MAIDEN ODI 💯 FOR NIGAR SULTANA JOTY!

She scores at a strike rate of 1️⃣2️⃣8️⃣.2️⃣1️⃣, becoming the SECOND 🇧🇩-women batter to hit a century in ODIs.

WHAT A MOMENT! 💥
#CWCQualifiers

— 𝕾𝖞𝖊𝖉 𝕾𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@SamiSocial) April 10, 2025

All things considered, that was a fantastic last over from Putthawong! Fantastic control of her pace and lengths.

But what a batting performance from Bangladesh. Nigar Sultana is something else.

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) April 10, 2025

what a performance by Nigar Sultana 101 (80), the captain of bangladesh womens cricket team against thailand#iccwomenworldcupqualifier #nigarsultana pic.twitter.com/fzZUQBrMUQ

— Pulkit Trigun (@PulkitTrigun45) April 10, 2025

Also READ: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Here are the complete squads of all 6 teams

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.