Title defence washed away

Bangladesh national women’s cricket team’s defence of their Asia Cup crown was washed away by rain as they were knocked out of the group stage following their match against the United Arab Emirates abandoned due to rain.

The abandoned fixture meant Bangladesh could only accumulate five points from their six matches, courtesy of wins against Malaysia and Thailand.

But Nigar Sultana Joty and co must be rueing their defeat against Sri Lanka on Monday when they failed to chase down only 41 in seven overs in a rain-hit match. A shambolic batting display meant they lost seven wickets in seven overs and fell three runs short, allowing Thailand to overtake them in the points table.

The Bangladesh players were seen leaving the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in dismantled figures following their early exit, which very few foresaw considering they were the defending Champions and also the hosts.

But Bangladesh fell prey in their home as continuous rainfall on Tuesday meant even the toss could not take place. Bangladesh only needed to win the fixture to qualify for the semi-finals as they had a superior run-rate to Thailand.

While it was agony for the hosts, it was ecstasy for the Thai girls as they qualified for the semi-finals of the Asia Cup for the first time. They have shown their mettle throughout the tournament, where one of their three wins came against Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s failure to qualify was the only surprise in the top four as the other three spots went to expected teams- India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five wickets on Tuesday to make it five wins in six matches, ending with 10 points. India also finished on 10 points but finished on top of the table courtesy of their better net run-rate. Sri Lanka finished third with eight points, courtesy of four wins.

The semi-finals will be played on September 13, before the final on September 15.