DHAKA, Nov 24, 2024 (BSS)—Bangladesh Women’s team pacer Marufa Akter said their primary target is to win all three ODIs against visiting Ireland team to edge them closer to a direct qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup in India to be held next year.

The Tigresses in fact would have to win six straight matches for a direct qualification for the World Cup. After the Ireland series, they will take on West Indies for three more ODIs.

“We are not thinking about thus far. We will try to win all three ODIs against Ireland first and then we’ll fix our next target,” Marufa told the reporters today after the practice session of the team at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The Irish Women’s team had already landed Dhaka for the series, which included three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

Marufa said winning against Ireland won’t be an easier task given the improvement the visitors showed over the years.

“They are an improved side and here to fight for winning the series also. We know they are good side so we are preparing according to that,” Marufa said, adding that they have been training seriously to fulfil their goal.

“Our training has been good so far. Since the World Cup is coming up and we need to win six matches in row, we are preparing ourselves that way.”

When asked about her personal goal, Marufa, who so far claimed 11 wickets in 15 ODIs, kept it secret by saying: “I like to keep my personal goal secret. So I will keep it secret now too.”

The three ODIs will be played in Mirpur on November 27, November 30 and December 2, while the T20Is will take place in Sylhet on December 5, 7 and 9.