Bangladesh make it three in three

Bangladesh national women’s cricket team were crowned the unbeaten Champions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as they beat Ireland by seven runs in the final.

This is their third consecutive title of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Batting first, Bangladesh managed to put on 120-8 on board, courtesy of Fargana Haque’s knock of 61 runs from 55 deliveries, where she hit seven boundaries.

In reply, Ireland could only manage 113-9 in their 20 overs as Rumana Ahmed picked up three wickets, with Shohely Akhter, Nahida Akter, and Sanjida Akter Meghla picking up two wickets each.

Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan was present at the award ceremony to hand the trophy to Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty.

The team will return to Bangladesh today at 8:40 PM.

On Sunday, Nigar won the toss and opted to bat first. But they lost opener Murshida Khatun (6) in the fourth over and then the skipper (6) in the 10th.

The only substantial partnership from Bangladesh was for the third wicket as Fargana and Rumana (21) put together 49 runs from 37 deliveries.

But they lost six wickets in the last five overs, meaning they could only score 29 runs in that period.

Ireland’s chase was hit early as Meghla dismissed opener Gaby Lewis (4) in the second over, and Nahida sent back Amy Hunter (7) in the fifth. In the final over of the powerplay, Meghla struck again to dismiss Orla Prendergast (9).

Ireland lost half of their side within the 10th over and lost eight wickets by the 16th. Arlene Kelly, who top-scored with an unbeaten innings of 28, tried to chase down the total, but could not as they ended seven runs short.