U-19 Women’s T20 WC: Bangladesh fall short in Super Six

Despite beating the United Arab Emirates by five wickets in their last Super Six game, Bangladesh were unable to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa yesterday.

Bangladesh’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals were slim going into the game, given that they were significantly behind in terms of net run rate.

By the end of the Super Six stage, four teams from Group 1 — including Bangladesh, hosts South Africa, Australia and India — ended with six points, but the latter two progressed courtesy of superior net run rate.

India, with a net run rate of +2.844, and Australia (+2.210) took the top two spots to qualify for the semifinals while Bangladesh finished third in the group with a net run rate of +1.211. South Africa (+0.387) finished fourth.

The young Tigresses started the tournament on a high note, winning all three matches in the group stages, against Australia, Sri Lanka and the United States, to qualify for the Super Six.

However, Disha Biswas and Co. lost to South Africa in their opening Super Six game by five wickets, which hampered their net run rate and perhaps cost them a spot in the final four.

In their last Super Six game, Bangladesh restricted UAE to 69 for nine after 20 overs. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan picked up three wickets while Marufa Akter took two wickets.

In reply, Bangladesh reached the target with five wickets and 10.5 overs to spare. Shorna Akter top-scored with 38 off just 19 deliveries, striking two sixes and four boundaries.