Just a month after being crowned Asian champions, Bangladesh have added another feather to its hat by becoming the champions of the Women’s World T20 qualifier. The Salma Khatun-led team defeated Ireland women in the final match of the qualifying event.

Both the finalists earned a spot in the global T20 event by reaching the final but the champion of this tournament was yet to be decided. The finalists had faced each other in three-T20I series, which the Tigresses had won 2-1, prior to the tournament. Both then went on to defeat every team they faced before cruising into the final.

Having won the toss, the Irish side chose to bowl against the well-known opponents and conceded 122 runs while taking nine wickets.

Following opener Shamima Sultana’s departure off Lucy OReilly for 16 runs, Bangladesh saw a fine 52-run partnership between another opener Ayasha Rahman and Fargana Hoque.

Bangladesh’s batting line-up then crumbled badly to become 120/9 from a score of 80/1. OReilly initiated the collapse by removing Fargana for 17. She later took two more scalps to complete a four-wicket haul. Ireland skipper Laura Delany picked up a wicket and Ciara Metcalfe also got two wickets, including that of Ayasha, who top-scored for her side with an innings of 46 runs.

In reply, Ireland lost wickets in bunches at regular intervals and were bundled out for 97 in 18.4 overs. Only three of their batters reached double-digit figures as Ireland fell to a 25-run defeat.

Panna Ghosh was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers bagging a fifer. Nahida Akhter and Rumana Ahmed also scalped two wickets each while Rumana Ahmed got one wicket to her name.

The Women’s World T20 will be held be held in the West Indies from 9 to 24 November this year. Bangladesh have sealed a spot in group A, alongside England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the hosts. Ireland, on the other hand, have been placed in group B along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

 

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