Bangladesh, Ireland secure place at the World T20

Ireland was the first to reach the finals and qualify after they emerged victorious over Papua New Guinea (PNG). Being sent in to bat first, Ireland’s in-form opener Clare Shillington was dismissed for a duck from just the second ball of the innings. From there, however, valuable contributions from Cecelia Joyce, Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany helped guide Ireland to their total of 113.

An inspired spell of bowling from Player of the Match, Lucy O’Reilly, where she finished with figures of 3-13 and two wickets apiece for Delany and Eimear Richardson, helped bowl out PNG for just 86 runs. Ireland won the first semi-final by a comfortable 27-run margin.

Ireland’s Qualifiers campaign has been a true testament to the team’s character. Coming into the tournament off two series’ losses, they bounced back when it mattered the most, to secure their spot in the T20 World Cup. In their series against New Zealand, leading up to the Qualifiers, they were white-washed on home soil in absolute run-fests. The New Zealand team broke the 400-run barrier against them in all three of the ODI matches and scored a world record 490 in the first one! Things did not get better for them when Bangladesh came for a T20 tour. They lost that series 2-1.

Their opponents, however, are in the form of their life. Bangladesh came into the tournament all guns blazing. After their maiden Asia Cup win earlier this year, where they defeated Pakistan and caused a major upset by defeating India twice, Bangladesh also went on to triumph against Ireland. So, they came into the tournament  bursting with confidence and had immense belief in the team

Bangladesh battled it out with Scotland, triumphing over them. Their in-form openers, Ayasha Rahman and Shamima Sultana laid down a solid platform for their team to build on, with their 51-run opening stand. Due to contributions from Nigar Sultana and Sanjida Islam, the team was able to capitalise on the start, despite a slight wobble, and post 125 on the board.

In reply, Scotland got off to a less-than-ideal start, losing opener Rachel Scholes cheaply. The Bryce sisters then consolidated to help get the chase back on track with their 43- run partnership. However, once wily legspinner, Fahima Khatun dismissed Sarah Bryce, a collapse ensued and Scotland was all-out for 76. Bangladesh won by 49 runs.

Now, the two teams meet again, in the repeat of the last Qualifiers final, back in 2015. In that edition, Ireland took home the trophy. Who will it be this time? Bangladesh; who want revenge for losing the last time around? Or, Ireland; who are eager for redemption following their series loss?

The winner of the finals will play against hosts’ and reigning champions, West Indies in their opening match of the T20 World Cup and will join Group A, which features Sri Lanka, South Africa and England, as well. The runners-up will face Australia in their opening match and will be a part of Group B, which also has New Zealand, India and Pakistan.