Bangladesh, Ireland qualify for Women’s World Twenty20

Both Bangladesh and Ireland topped their respective groups in the qualifying tournament in the Netherlands to bag the last two remaining berths for the Women’s World Twenty20.

Bangladesh and Ireland have secured the last two remaining berths for the Women’s World Twenty20 to be staged in the West Indies from November 9 to 24.

Bangladesh and Ireland have qualified for the Women’s World Twenty20 that will be held in the West Indies in November. (ICC/Twitter)

Living up to their favourite tags, both Bangladesh and Ireland topped their respective groups in the eight-team qualifying tournament currently underway in the Netherlands. They will now contest in Saturday’s final which will determine bragging rights among the two teams.

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Bangladesh, who are currently ranked ninth in the ICC multi-format women’s team rankings, topped Group A after registering a convincing 49-run victory over Scotland at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen.

Ireland, the 10th ranked team, secured top spot in Group B after beating Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 27 runs at the same venue.

Bangladesh’s qualification is a testament of the rapid strides the side has taken in recent times. It was not long ago when they claimed their maiden Asia Cup title by upstaging Asian powerhouse of women’s cricket, India.

In their last group match against Scotland, Bangladesh posted 125/6 with openers Shamima Sultana and Ayasha Rahman adding 51 in the first 6.5 overs. In reply, Scotland could only muster 76/7.

For Ireland, the successful campaign came after a streak of heavy defeats against New Zealand at home and a 1-2 loss to Bangladesh at both home and away in the run up to the qualifying tournament.

In their match against PNG, Ireland scored only 113, but then came up with an outstanding bowling performance to roll over the opposition for 86 in 19.2 overs.