Bangladesh Women reach T20 World Cup by beating Ireland in qualifier semi-final

Chasing 86 for victory, an unbeaten 32 from Sanjida Islam saw Bangladesh home to a four-wicket win in Dundee with nine balls to spare

Bangladesh Women have qualified for next year's T20 World Cup after beating Ireland Women in their qualifier semi-final in Dundee.

Chasing 86 to win, an unbeaten 32 from Sanjida Islam saw Bangladesh home to a four-wicket win with nine balls to spare and reach the final of the T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament.

Fahima Khatun's 3-18 proved pivotal as Bangladesh bowled Ireland out for 85 with the final ball of the innings, with captain Laura Delany and Eimear Richardson joint top scoring with 25.

However, Ireland's target proved to be insufficient as Bangladesh completed the chase with more than an over to spare, with Murshida Khatun and Ritu Moni also making double-figure contributions.

Bangladesh will be joined by either Thailand or Papua New Guinea in the final and in qualifying for the T20 World Cup, with the second semi-final due to take place later on Thursday.

The finalists of the qualifier tournament automatically qualify for the World Cup in February and March next year, which hosts and defending champions Australia will host after their 2018 triumph in West Indies.