ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier: Ireland eliminated after third defeat

Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for this year’s ICC Women’s World Cup were ended by a two-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their latest match in the Qualifier in Lahore.

After Ireland won the toss, Laura Delany hit 63 and Orla Prendergast added 41 to help Ireland to reach 235-8 from their 50 overs.

A famous win looked on the cards as they had the Tigers in trouble at 94-5 in the 26th over.

However, Ritu Moni’s unbeaten 67 from 61 balls anchored a late surge and Bangladesh won with eight deliveries to spare.

The defeat is a third in a row for coach Ed Joyce’s side, who are without a point with two matches left.

The top two sides from the six-team Qualifier will make it to the main tournament in India in the autumn, with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Scotland all on four points.

Ireland started well and were 149-4 in the 34th over when Prendergast fell lbw to Rabeya Khan.

However, when former skipper Delaney was stumped in the 42nd, it prompted a mini-collapse as four wickets fell in the space of eight overs.

In reply, Bangladesh slumped to 2-2 early on after Prendergast removed both openers, and Ireland looked on track for a strong showing in the field when wicketkeeper Amy Hunter caught Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty for 51, the fifth Tigers batter to fall.

However, Moni’s rearguard action helped Bangladesh capitalise on a number of missed Irish opportunities to steer their way to a victory which ended Ireland’s faint mathematical chances of finishing in the top two.

After defeats by Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh, Ireland are back in action on Tuesday against Thailand, before their final game with Scotland.