Tigresses eye fourth qualifier title

Having already secured their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh are now targeting a fourth qualifying title as they prepare to face the Netherlands in their final Super Six match in the qualifiers at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu today.

As anticipated, the Tigresses have enjoyed a dominant campaign, winning six matches in a row to become one of the first two teams -- alongside the Netherlands -- to book their tickets to the main event in England and Wales, scheduled for June-July this year.

Bangladesh currently sit at the top of the Super Six table with eight points and are well placed to clinch the championship. A win over the Netherlands will guarantee them the title.

Even in defeat, Bangladesh remain in a strong position -- thanks to their impressive net run rate of +1.988. Unless they suffer a heavy loss, they are still likely to emerge as champions, as the Netherlands are second with six points and a net run rate of -0.736.

Ireland and Scotland occupy the next two spots with four points each. They will face Thailand (0 points) and the USA (2 points) respectively in the other final-day fixtures, battling for the remaining two qualification spots for the T20 World Cup.

“Alhamdulillah, we have won six matches in a row. We have one more match left. Inshallah, we will try to continue our winning streak and become champions,” Bangladesh vice-captain Nahida Akter said in a video message on Saturday.

“As a team, we are doing really well in all three departments, especially the batters, who are in great form. Hopefully, they can maintain this momentum,” she added. Nahida also stressed the importance of preparation ahead of the global event.

“We have four to five months before the World Cup. We will try to ensure the best possible preparation before going there,” she said.

Bangladesh previously won the qualifier titles in 2018, 2019, and 2022. In 2024, they qualified directly for the main event as hosts, though the tournament was later moved to the UAE by the ICC. Bangladesh, however, retained their official host status.

In all their appearances at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Bangladesh have finished runners-up only once -- to Ireland during their maiden campaign in 2015.