Bangladesh women’s cricket team emerged as the champions in the Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier after beating their Ireland counterparts by seven runs in Sunday’s final in Abu Dhabi.
The Tigresses had already qualified for the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa after overcoming Thailand in the semi-final.
Bangladesh had earlier finished as group champions after defeating the Irish, Scotland and the United States of America.
Batting first, the women in red and green posted 120 runs losing eight wickets in their stipulated 20 overs, thanks to a 55-ball 61 from opener Fargana Hoque Pinky and 20-ball 21 by Rumana Ahmed.
However, none of the other Bangladesh batters reached double digit in the face of some disciplined bowling by Irish women, led by Laura Delany (3/27), while Arlene Kelly and Sara Murray bagged two wickets each.
In reply, Ireland were restricted to 113/9 in their 20 overs as Bangladesh bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals.
Rumana (3/24) starred with the ball as well and received good support from Sanjida Akhter Meghla, Shohely Akhter and Nahida Akhter who all took two apiece.
The Women’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 9-26.
