Bangladesh finished runners-up in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifiers conceding a two-wicket defeat to Ireland in the Trophy final in the last ball thrilling at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Saturday.
Sixteen-year-old Lucy O’Reilly (not out 2 off 3) hit one required run off the final ball, delivered by Salma Khatun, to seal the thrilling two-wicket victory in the final.
Ireland Women won the title keeping its all-win record after last-ball finish with scoring the crucial eight runs required from the last over in the closely fought match.
Bangladesh scored a fighting total of 105 for 3 in 20 overs, but it did not prove enough as Ireland chased the target.
Bangladesh bowlers downed Ireland’s eight wickets when scoreboard was showing 97 in 18.4 overs, but number six Laura Delany held her nerve, remaining unbeaten on 26 to take her team past the target off the last delivery.
Cecelia Joyce scored the highest 32 off 30 balls with two fours and one six and was caught by Lata Mondal off a Rumana Ahmed bowling at 66/5 in 11.4 overs.
Opener Clare Shillington (12 off 7b; 2×4) and number seven Gaby Lewis (11 off 13b) were the other double figure scorers for Ireland.
Delivering four overs each, Rumana Ahmed and Nahida Akter took two wickets apiece for 16 and 18 runs respectively. Salma Khatun took one wicket for 29 runs also delivering four overs.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh scored 105/3 riding on the 74-run partnership in 13.2 overs in the third-wicket stand between Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed.
The wicketkeeper and opening batter Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed came together at Bangladesh’s 21 for 2 in 5.2 overs and departed at 95/3 in 18.4 overs.
Nigar Sultana scored the highest 41 off 57 balls with two fours and was caught by Gaby Lewis off a Ciara Metcalfe bowling.
Rumana Ahmed who was adjudged player of the match and player of the series stayed till the end on unbeaten 38 off 43 balls with one four to ensure a decent finish for Bangladesh.
Ciara Metcalfe bagged all the three wickets for 14 runs in four overs.
Meanwhile, both Bangladesh and Ireland had already sealed their spots in the next ICC Women’s World Twenty20 which will take place in India from March 11 to April 3 next year.
The finalists (Bangladesh and Ireland) will join reigning champions Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20.
