The ICC Women’s World Cup will soon feature Bangladesh, which has joined Pakistan as one of the successful qualifiers for the mega tournament. Their superior net run rate and consistent performance each time they took the pitch worldwide were among the factors that took them to the event, in the process of which they overshadowed the strong and vibrant approach of the West Indies in the final group stage matches.
Pakistan, who had already notched up the qualification earlier, came back to winning ways and bundled out Bangladesh at the cost of 3 wickets in the 20th over. Despite the loss, Bangladesh’s earlier games during the tournament were helpful enough for them in the pursuit of their victory over the West Indies in the qualification race.
The match that turned the tables took place when the West Indies Women and Thailand Women met at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in a do-or-die game. Thailand had managed to get a respectable 166 runs on the board. The Caribbean team could only surpass Bangladesh on the net run rate if they could get the 167-run target in less than 10.1 overs.
Although the West Indies Women displayed their batting capabilities, they fell short of reaching the target in time. With 168 runs in 10.5 overs, although still victorious, they could not dislodge Bangladesh from the top spot and thus ultimately failed to earn a place in the World Cup due to NRR factors.
Captain Hayley Matthews’ knock of 70 off 29 balls and fastfire 48 from just 17 deliveries by Shamilia Connell got the West Indian team back on track. However, their valiant effort was too late in reversing the qualification scenario. Thailand was bowled out for 166 in the 47th over as the chase was being set up.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented the awards at the close of the tournament. Kathryn Bryce of Scotland was awarded the Player of the Tournament for her extraordinary performance by having scored 293 runs in the qualifying round.
The ICC Women’s World Cup is set to be an electrifying event, with the top women’s cricket teams from around the globe coming together. Bangladesh and Pakistan have already confirmed their participation.
