Bangladesh Women’s cricket team have officially confirmed their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, to be held in India later this year, following West Indies’ failure to surpass the required net run rate in their match against Thailand.
The Tigresses’ qualification hopes had hung in the balance after a seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
With their fate no longer in their own hands, Bangladesh had to rely on the outcome of the match between West Indies and Thailand, which took place shortly after their own fixture.
Despite holding a superior net run rate of 0.639 compared to West Indies’ 0.626, there remained considerable tension. The Caribbean side’s powerful batting line-up, known for its ability to clear boundaries with ease, posed a genuine threat to Bangladesh’s qualification hopes.
West Indies were handed two scenarios to secure their place in the World Cup: chase down Thailand’s total of 166 within 10 overs, or score 172 in 11 overs if the scores were level after 10. Though they made a spirited attempt, the Caribbean side narrowly missed both targets.
They eventually won the game by scoring 168 for 4 in 10.5 overs, with Stafanie Taylor sealing the win by hitting a six. Despite the victory, it wasn’t enough to push their net run rate ahead of Bangladesh’s.
Captain Hayley Matthews led the charge with a blistering 70 off just 29 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. She was well supported by Chinelle Henry, who smashed 48 off just 17 deliveries.
Their heroic efforts brought West Indies tantalisingly close, but luck was not in their favour.
Both Bangladesh and West Indies ended the tournament with three wins each, but it was Bangladesh’s marginally better net run rate that secured them the final qualification spot.
Pakistan, having won all five of their matches, had already confirmed their place in the World Cup earlier.
With this dramatic conclusion, Bangladesh now look ahead to competing on the global stage, marking another significant milestone for the country’s women’s cricket team.