Ireland Women claimed a 12-run victory over Bangladesh Women in the first T20I of their three-match series in Sylhet on Thursday, setting the tone for an exciting series. Electing to bat first, Ireland posted a competitive total of 169 for 5, powered by a Leah Paul, who remained unbeaten on 79 off just 45 balls. Gaby Lewis complemented her with 60 off 42 deliveries, the duo combining for a 100-run stand for the third wicket that laid the foundation for Ireland’s innings. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled for consistency, with Nahida Akter emerging as the most economical bowler, conceding 20 in 4 ovets, while Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trisna, and Jannatul Ferdus picked up a wicket apiece. In response, Bangladesh got off to a flying start, with openers Dilara Akter (49 off 41) and Sobhana Mostary (46 off 35) adding a solid 103-run partnership. Their aggressive approach in the powerplay— 56 runs without loss— kept the hosts ahead of the required rate. Read: Rashid, Nabi call for reversal of Taliban ban on women’s medical education However, the middle order faltered against the disciplined bowling of Orla Prendergast, who bagged three for 24, and Arlene Kelly, who scalped three for 22, leaving the chase in tatters. Aimee Maguire chipped in with a crucial wicket as the pressure mounted on Bangladesh’s lower order. Despite a late cameo from Sharmin Akhter, 23 off 13, the hosts fell short, finishing at 157 for 7 in their 20 overs. Leah Paul was named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings, which included ten boundaries and two sixes. The result puts Ireland Women ahead 1-0 in the series.

Bangladesh Women secured a commanding five-wicket win against Ireland in the second ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka's Mirpur, ensuring a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.  With 37 balls to spare, the hosts comfortably chased down the 194-run target set by Ireland. After opting to bat first, Ireland Women managed 193 for 6 in 50 overs. Women’s Cricket: Bangladesh beat Ireland by big margin in series opener Amy Hunter was their best batter with 68 off 88 balls, anchoring the innings while receiving support from Orla Prendergast (37) and Laura Delany (33). Sultana Khatun took two wickets for 32 runs for Bangladesh, and Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter took one wicket each. In reply, Bangladesh began cautiously, losing Murshida Khatun early for 6. However, Fargana Hoque, 50 off 89, and Sharmin Akhter, 43 off 63, kept the team in the race to win the match. Women’s ODI: Bangladesh take on visiting Ireland on Wednesday Captain Nigar Sultana did well in the middle overs, scoring a quick 40 off 39 balls, which included four boundaries and a six. Sobhana Mostary (16) and Shorna Akter, 29 not out off 29, ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding Bangladesh to victory with ease. Ireland’s Laura Delany took two wickets for the tourists. Ireland women’s cricket team in Dhaka to play ODI, T20I series

Women's participation in outdoor sports in a conservative country like Bangladesh is incredibly difficult. Women should move forward by persuading their families and avoiding society's conservative viewpoint. Shammi Nasrin is one such woman. The 46-year-old middle-aged woman stunned everyone by taking third place (63kg category) in a Bangladesh Powerlifting Association's weightlifting competition. Her accomplishment is a source of pride for women in Bangladesh. Despite the potential, many women are afraid to participate in sports such as weightlifting by defying society's conservative viewpoint. Shammi Nasrin's path as a weightlifter and the accomplishments of other notable women's weightlifters in Bangladesh are highlighted in this article.  Shammi Nasrin's Journey as a Weightlifter It's no surprise that women's strength, which is frequently honored as motherhood, is a source of inspiration. A middle-aged Bangladeshi woman has not only enhanced feminine power but also transcended the constraints of societal taboos and other barriers with sheer drive and courage. A weightlifting competition was held by the Bangladesh Powerlifting Association. Shammi Nasrin, a 46-year-old mother of three, finished third in the 63-kg weightlifting category. She has astounded everyone with her accomplishment, given her present age, defying the obligations she has in her daily life.   Read FIFA Women's Friendly Football: Bangladesh, Nepal play out goalless 2nd match Shammi Nasrin used to devote her life to caring for her three children (two boys and a girl) as well as domestic duties. However, she has always had a strong interest in weightlifting and is a sports enthusiast.  Nasrin gradually realized that fitness is essential, especially as one reaches the age of forty. Her passion for fitness became even stronger once she began working out at the gym on a daily basis, and she decided to compete in the powerlifting competition. Shammi Nasrin's accomplishments made her children very proud. One of her sons is a semi-professional football player who draws inspiration from her. Read: Women in Afghanistan: Taliban Government to Ban Women's Sports in Afghanistan When women like Shammi come forward, the so-called myths of society will be dispelled, and more women will be motivated to follow in her footsteps.  Bangladesh's Notable Female Weightlifters Smrity Akter, Shabira Molla, Chakma Fullpoti, Fayema Akter, Rokeya Sultana Sathy, Mabia Akhtar, Nisha Juhora Khaton, and Parvin Feroza are among the women weightlifters who have recently represented Bangladesh on the international stage.  Mabia Akter Shimanta and Smrity Akter are two of the best female weightlifters in Bangladesh. They both won silver medals in the 5th ISSF International Solidarity Weightlifting Championship 2018 in Cairo, Egypt.  Read: Bashonti Nibash, One Taka Hotel: First women-only hotel in Bangladesh by Bidyanondo Mabia took silver in the women's 71kg category; while Smrity won silver in the 45kg weight category. Mabia was also a gold medalist at the 2016 and 2019 South Asian Games.  Shabira Molla is another talented female weightlifter from Bangladesh. In 2003, she came in third at the Asian Weightlifting Championships, and in 2007, she came in second at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships. She also earned a bronze medal in the 2019 South Asian Games.  Other recent notable international successes by women weightlifters include: Juhora Khatun Nisha won gold (81 kgs), Rokeya Sultana Sathy took silver (155 kgs), Fullpoti Chakma took silver (55 kgs), and Fayema Akter took bronze (59 kgs) in the 2019 South African Games.  Read: FIFA women's friendlies: Bangladesh lose 1-2 to Nepal Bottom Line  It is possible to achieve any goal with a strong mind, such as Shammi Nasrin's, despite societal barriers. Bangladesh women should look up to her for inspiration. In addition, the family must play a significant role in Bangladesh women's progress. Bangladeshi women have had little success in weightlifting at the international level. However, we must strive to identify talented female athletes via countrywide talent search events. Women may succeed in the international arena if they are well cared for.  

 International Day of Rural Women serves as a reminder that a sustainable future is not possible without the involvement and upliftment of the fairer sex in the society. But like their counterparts in many other countries, women in Bangladesh too are bearing the brunt of the economic and social fallout of Covid-19.