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

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

Player of the match Sharmin Akhter scored 52 as Bangladesh made 153-7 from their 20 overs, before Irish captain Gaby Lewis shone with 73 as her side fell just short of their target, finishing on 144-4.

Results elsewhere in Group A ensure that Ireland, who defeated Papua New Guinea and the USA in their opening two fixtures, will advance to the next phase.

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

Opening batter Dilara Akter smashed 35 off 27 balls as her second-wicket partnership of 70 with Akhter proved a central platform for her side’s total.

Later in the innings, Sobhana Mostary hit 30 off 16 balls before becoming Arlene Kelly’s second victim, the Ireland bowler ending with figures of 2-44.

Ireland’s reply got off to an impressive start as they progressed to 71 before Orla Prendergast became the first wicket to fall for 12 in the 11th over, Leah Paul following her two balls later for a duck.

Opener Amy Hunter had been forced to retire hurt on 25 but later returned to finish on 35 not out.

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

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

Laura Delany (13) and Lewis put on 47 for the third wicket.

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