Ireland clinched ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier title beating Bangladesh by two wickets in the last ball thriller in Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok yesterday.
The two sides went into Saturday’s final having previously booked the last two coveted places in the next year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 when they won their respective semi-finals on Thursday.
Both sides were determined to finish the competition on a high. Bangladesh, having won the toss, reached 105 for three, thanks mainly to a 74-run third-wicket partnership between Nigar Sultana (41) and Rumana Ahmed (38 not out). Leg spinner Ciara Metcalfe was Ireland’s best bowler and returned with an economical figures of three for 14 runs.
Set a victory target of 106, Ireland appeared to be coasting after Cecelia Joyce had steered the side early on with a breezy 32, but a flurry of middle order wickets put the pressure on thanks mainly to the efforts of Bangladesh duo Rumana Ahmed (2-16) and Nahida Akter (2-18). However Laura Delany (26 not out) held her composure to guide Ireland home off the last ball of the game to send Ireland into raptures in damp, challenging conditions.
Bangladesh coach Janak Gamage expressed his disappointment and said that they look forward to ICC Women’s World T20 2016 in India. “The plans was to bat first and get close to 115 runs, but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough. I thought our bowlers did very well throughout the tournament and though we’re disappointed today.