Women's T20 World Cup 2023: Bangladesh and Ireland qualify for the tournament

Ireland and Bangladesh qualified for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023, with wins over Zimbabwe and Thailand to book their places in the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.

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Putting to bat first in the first semi-final, and a crucial clash of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022, Ireland managed to post 137/6 with valuable contributions from the middle order.

Star opener Gaby Lewis was dismissed in the powerplay. But, however, Orla Prendergast, fresh from the last game of his impressive innings, bowled out Ireland for 28 off 25 balls in the 12th over. Laura Delany and Imier Richardson started, but could not carry the innings. It came from Rebecca Stokel, whose 12-ball 26 gave Ireland a strong push towards the end.

In the run chase, Sharne Meyers scored 39 runs in 36 balls for Zimbabwe. Captain Mary-Ann Musonda gave her good company with a 29-ball 31 as the pair put on a fifty-run stand together before Meyers was dismissed.

Zimbabwe's required run rate accelerated after Arlene Nora Kelly and Jane Maguire took two wickets each. Meanwhile, the captain was also sent back. They eventually fell short by four runs as Ireland made it to the final.

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Women's T20 World Cup 2023: Bangladesh grabs a tough win

Bangladesh's outing with the bat was a below-par one. They posted 113 for five in their 20 overs with contributions from Murshida Khatun (26), Rumana Ahmed (28), and a quick-fire 17 off 10 towards the back end from Ritu Moni.

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Despite skipper Natthakan Chantham's fifty (64 off 51), Thailand was always going to fall short because of a lack of fire from others. Sanjeeda Akhtar and Salma Khatoon took two wickets each with the ball for Bangladesh and bowled very economical spells.

For Thailand, Chantham scored his fifth fifty. But it was not enough for his team. As Bangladesh defeated them in the T20 World Cup in South Africa the following year.