Ireland and Bangladesh women secure ODI status

Hosts of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2011, Bangladesh, today secured One-day International status for first time for its women’s side after Salma Khatun’s side beat USA in a low-scoring fixture.

Meanwhile, Ireland defeated fellow European qualifier and ODI side Netherlands, to retain its ODI status - the result means that Netherlands has lost its ODI status for the women’s side. Bangladesh and Ireland will now face-off on Saturday in the 5th/6th play-off for the tournament at BKSP 2.

In order for all the ODI-qualified sides to maintain its statuses it must play three ODIs and three T20Is in any 12 month period and the statuses will be reviewed at the next ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

In the semi-final fixtures between the ICC Women’s World Cup qualified sides - Pakistan defeated South Africa to secure a place in the final which will be played on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS).

Facing Pakistan will be Merissa’ Aguilleira’s West Indies after the Americas side beat Sri Lanka in a high-scoring showdown at Khanshaheb Osman Ali Stadium by 58 runs.

Sri Lanka will now play South Africa in the 3rd/4th play-off at KSOAS on Saturday.

USA and Netherlands will now play each other on Saturday in the 7th/8th play-off at BKSP 3.

A delighted Bangladesh captain, Salma said: “It feels fantastic to have gained ODI status and it means a lot for Bangladesh women’s cricket, things can only get better from here.

“It was very much a team effort and hopefully we can continue this momentum and beat Ireland on Saturday in our first ODI and finish ninth in the global rankings.” Salma’s team coach, Mamatha Maben reiterated the team delight at gaining ODI status, “This is the culmination of three months of hard work with the women’s side and it has paid off with us gaining ODI status for the country.

“There is now a minimum amount of cricket the team will have to play, which is great news for the women playing cricket here. I’m sure the BCB will continue its support of the women’s game and things can only get better from here. I am very proud of how the whole side has played over the last few weeks and hopefully we can continue on this path and beat Ireland on Saturday,” said Mamatha Maben, the Bangladesh coach.

Final matches will be played on Saturday, fixtures are listed below.

Upcoming fixtures:

26 November

ODI - Pakistan v West Indies – 1st/2nd play-off - SBNCS

ODI – South Africa v Sri Lanka – 3rd/4th play-off – KSOAS

ODI – Bangladesh v Ireland – 5th/6th play-off – BKSP 2

50-over match – USA v Netherlands – 7th/8th play-off – BKSP 3