Tigresses Clinch Cricket World Cup Spot in Final Day Thriller

Tigresses Clinch 2025 Women’s World Cup Berth by Narrowest Margin After Dramatic Final Day in Lahore

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team has qualified for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, following a tense and thrilling conclusion to the qualifying tournament in Lahore on Saturday. Despite suffering a defeat against hosts Pakistan earlier in the day, the Tigresses secured their place in the global showpiece thanks to a superior net run rate (NRR), edging out the West Indies by the slimmest of margins.

This marks Bangladesh’s second appearance at the ICC Women’s World Cup, their first being in the 2022 edition held in New Zealand. The 13th edition of the tournament, to be held in India in September-October 2025, will feature eight teams: the five top-ranked sides (Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and India as hosts), Sri Lanka (through the ICC Women’s Championship), and the two qualifiers — Bangladesh and Pakistan.

A Crucial Game, A Nervous Wait

Entering the final day of the qualifiers, Bangladesh were in contention alongside Pakistan, the West Indies, and Thailand for the two remaining spots at the World Cup. In the first game of the day, Bangladesh faced Pakistan, needing either a win or a competitive performance to boost their net run rate.

Batting first, the Tigresses managed a modest 178 for 9 in their 50 overs. Ritu Moni top-scored with 48, while Fahima Khatun’s unbeaten 44 gave the innings some late momentum. Pakistan’s bowlers kept things tight, with Sadia Iqbal claiming 3 for 30, and Fatima Sana and Diana Baig taking two wickets apiece.

Pakistan responded with a confident chase, reaching the target in 39.4 overs with seven wickets in hand. Muneeba Ali laid the foundation with a fluent 69, while Aliya Riaz anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52. For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, and Rabeya Khan took one wicket each.

The defeat left Bangladesh’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, dependent on the outcome of the second match of the day — the West Indies against Thailand.

All Eyes on West Indies vs Thailand

In the afternoon fixture, Thailand batted first and posted 166 in 46.1 overs. Natthakan Chantham continued her impressive form with a solid 66, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer much resistance. The West Indies bowling attack made light work of the Thai batters, with leg-spinner Afy Fletcher taking 4 for 19 and Aaliyah Alleyne grabbing 3 for 25.

The Caribbean side needed not just a win but a big one to surpass Bangladesh on net run rate. Captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with a blistering 70 off 37 balls, while Chinelle Henry added a quickfire 48. The West Indies chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, achieving a comprehensive six-wicket victory.

However, despite their dominant performance, their net run rate stood at 0.626 — narrowly behind Bangladesh’s 0.639. The difference of just 0.013 was enough to send Nigar Sultana Joty and her team to the World Cup.

Final Standings and World Cup Line-Up

Both Bangladesh and the West Indies finished the qualifiers with six points, but the NRR proved to be decisive. Pakistan topped the standings and qualified comfortably, while Bangladesh secured the second and final spot.

The final list of teams for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup is:

• India (hosts)

• Australia

• England

• New Zealand

• South Africa

• Sri Lanka

• Pakistan (via qualifiers)

• Bangladesh (via qualifiers)