Bangladesh secured their place in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup for the second consecutive time despite suffering a crushing seven-wicket loss to Pakistan in their final qualifier match in Lahore on Saturday.
Bangladesh started the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier with three straight victories and was just one win away from reaching the main event, but losses against the West Indies and Pakistan hindered their progress.
Even though their qualification was initially hanging by a thread, Bangladesh secured their place due to their superior run rate over the West Indies, who beat Thailand by six wickets in the other match of the day.
Nigar Sultana Joty-led team finished second with six points (0.639 net run-rate) behind already-qualified Pakistan, while West Indies, who finished on six points as well, missed out due to an inferior net run rate (0.626 net run-rate).
West Indies, who beat Thailand by six wickets in the competition's last match on Saturday, missed out by the barest of margins despite chasing down a 166-run total in 10.5 overs.
Coming into the match against Pakistan, Bangladesh鈥檚 brittle batting was exposed again as they were restricted to their lowest total in the tournament, 178-9, after opting to bat first.
Bangladesh lost their top order early and fell into a precarious position at 21-3. However, Ritu Moni鈥檚 gritty 76-ball innings of 48, featuring five boundaries, along with Fahima Khatun鈥檚 unbeaten 44 off 53, helped Bangladesh surpass the 150-mark and give them something to fight for.
The bowling unit also struggled as the hosts comfortably chased down the modest total in just 39.4 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz.
Muneeba scored 69 off 93 balls with eight boundaries, while Aliya played a knock of 52 off 65 deliveries aided by six fours and a six.
Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan each took a wicket for Bangladesh. Bangladesh made their maiden appearance in the 50-over World Cup in 2022.
The eight-team World Cup this year will take place in India from September 29 to October 26.
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed has lauded the team on the successful qualification.
鈥業 congratulate our team on securing a place in the ICC Women鈥檚 World Cup 2025. I would also like to sincerely thank the coaching staff and team management for their tireless efforts behind the scenes,鈥� Faruque was quoted as saying in a press release provided by the BCB.
鈥楢s we look ahead to the World Cup in India, I urge the players to remain focused and determined in their preparation. The BCB stands fully behind you. We will provide all necessary support to ensure that you go into the tournament in the best possible shape. We believe in your talent and potential to make the nation proud on the world stage.鈥�
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