Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier: Ireland lost to Bangladesh by nine runs

Ireland have qualified for the Super Six stage of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers despite losing their third group match by nine runs to Bangladesh on Saturday.

Sharmaine Akhtar, the best player in the match, scored 52 points as Bangladesh scored 153-7 out of 20 points, while Irish captain Gabby Lewis excelled with 73 points, as her team failed to achieve its goal with a score of 144-4.

Results elsewhere in Group A ensure Ireland, who defeated Papua New Guinea and the USA in their opening two matches, qualify for the next stage.

The top four in the Super Six will qualify for the World Cup.

Opener Dilara Akhtar smashed 35 off 27 balls as her second 70-ball partnership with Akhtar proved to be a central platform for her team’s total.

Later in the innings, Subhana Mustari hit 30 off 16 balls before becoming the second victim of Arlen Kelly, the Irish bowler who finished with figures of 2-44.

Ireland’s reply got off to a flying start as they advanced to 71 before Orla Prendergast became the first wicket to fall on the 12th over in the 11th over, Leah Ball tracking down her two balls later for a duck.

Opener Amy Hunter was forced off the field with an injury on the 25th but later returned to finish on the 35th not out.

The 20-year-old was making her 100th appearance for Ireland in the match.

Lewis’ contribution came with 73 off 58 balls and included one six and 10 fours, while Shoma Akter was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with 2-17.

Laura Delaney (13) and Lewis were out with 47 for the third wicket.

Bangladesh qualified for the Super Six as unbeaten group champions, winning all four of their matches.