Tigresses confirm World Cup Spot despite brave Windies effort

Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team has secured a spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be held in India later this year, after West Indies narrowly missed the net run rate target in their final match against Thailand.

The Tigresses’ qualification hopes were left hanging following a disappointing seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan. With their fate no longer in their own hands, Bangladesh had to rely on the outcome of the West Indies–Thailand clash.

Despite Bangladesh holding a slight advantage in net run rate, West Indies’ aggressive batting and boundary-hitting prowess posed a serious threat. Bowling Thailand out for 166 in 46.1 overs, West Indies were left with two tough scenarios: chase 167 in 10 overs, or score 172 in 11 overs to edge past Bangladesh.

The Caribbean side came agonizingly close. Led by skipper Hayley Matthews' explosive 70 off 29 balls—featuring 11 fours and two sixes—and a blistering 48 off 17 from Chinelle Henry, West Indies reached 168 for 4 in 10.5 overs. While they secured the win, it wasn’t enough to surpass Bangladesh’s net run rate.

Both teams finished the tournament with three wins each, but Bangladesh’s net run rate of 0.639 narrowly edged out West Indies’ 0.626. Pakistan had earlier sealed their World Cup spot with a perfect record, winning all five matches.

West Indies' valiant effort may have won them the match, but it was Bangladesh who won the ticket to the World Cup.