The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team sealed qualification for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after a dominant 39-run victory over Thailand in the Super Six stage of the global qualifiers on Wednesday.
Their place at the showpiece event was confirmed later in the day when the Netherlands defeated the USA, ensuring both Bangladesh and the Dutch secured World Cup berths.
With the Netherlands’ victory and two rounds of matches remaining, Bangladesh and the Dutch sit atop the Super Six table with six points each, while the USA and Thailand remain pointless. Scotland (four points) and Ireland (two points) are well positioned in the race for the remaining two World Cup berths, with four teams in total qualifying for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
Playing at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, Bangladesh delivered a composed all-round performance to defend 165 for 8, restricting Thailand to 126 for 8. The victory marked the Tigresses’ fifth consecutive win in the tournament, underlining their dominance throughout the qualifiers.
Bangladesh’s innings began shakily after being put in to bat, with opener Dilara Akter dismissed for a golden duck and Sharmin Akhter departing soon after, leaving the side struggling at 12 for 2. The setback, however, was swiftly overcome by an impressive 110-run stand between Sobhana Mostary and wicketkeeper Juairiya Ferdous.
Sobhana, who was named Player of the Match, anchored the recovery with a fluent 59 off 42 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. Juairiya played a vital supporting role with a patient 56 off 45 deliveries, ensuring Bangladesh regained control of the innings. A late burst from Ritu Moni, who struck 15 off six balls, helped lift the total despite Thipatcha Putthawong’s 3 for 22 for Thailand.
Thailand’s chase was dented immediately when pacer Marufa Akter removed Suwanan Khiaoto lbw with the first ball of the innings. Although Natthakan Chantham resisted with 46 off 41 balls and captain Naruemol Chaiwai added 30, the required rate proved too steep.
Marufa finished with 3 for 25, while spinners Shorna Akter (2 for 21) and Ritu Moni (2 for 20) applied sustained pressure to ensure a comfortable win and confirm Bangladesh’s return to the World Cup stage.
