Thailand, Bangladesh seal spots in Women’s T20 World Cup 2020

Thailand women completed a historic feat as they qualified for their maiden T20 World Cup. The Asian team defeated Papua New Guinea in the second semi-final played at Dundee, Scotland by eight wickets to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup. Bangladesh had earlier qualified for the tournament proper with their four-wicket victory over Ireland women in the first semi-final at Arbroath, Scotland.

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Thai dream

Although Thailand women created history by qualifying for the World Cup, their triumph was not surprising. The team topped their regional qualification from Asia by winning all six games. In the qualifiers also, they remained undefeated. Thai women took down Ireland, Netherland and Namibia before surging into the semis. The team eventually sealed their spot with a win over Papua New Guinea.

Batting first, the Papuan team collapsed to 67/7 in their 20 overs. Chanida Sutthiruang took 2/15 while S Laomi bowled a miserly spell of 4-1-5-1. In the chase, openers provided a steady start. Naruemol Chaiwai top-scored with 32 from 40 balls. Nannapat Koncharoenkai and Nattaya Boochatham then saw the team through to celebrate the eight-wicket win.

Bangladesh prevail

Favourites to win the competition, Bangladesh completed a stuttering win over Ireland women. The Asian team was also unbeaten in the group stage of the qualifiers. Three wins in the first stage pitted Bangla women against the Irish side in the first semi-final.

With tight bowling and extraordinary fielding, Bangladesh managed to skittle Ireland for only 85 runs. Fahima Khatun took 3/18 in her four overs while three run-outs pegged the Irish women down. The small chase did not go as per Bangladesh’s expectations. They lost six wickets in the pursuit. Sanjida Islam top-scored with 32 and stood tall till the end of the chase.