Tigresses romp into semis

Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers after emerging as Group A champions following a commanding 55-run win against the United States in their third and final group game at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

After electing to bat, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty and Murshida Khatun smashed unbeaten fifties as Bangladesh posted 158 for one in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Shamima Sultana (10) fell in the fourth over, but Sanjida and Joty simply took over. They shared an unbeaten 138-run partnership for the second wicket.

Murshida scored a team-high 77 off 64 balls and smashed nine fours while Joty made 56 off 40 balls laced with six fours and a six.

In reply, the Tigresses restricted the United States to 12 for three inside the first five overs and they sputtered to 103 for three after 20 overs. Salma Khatun and Nahida Akhter picked up a wicket each.

Bangladesh will face the runners-up from Group B, likely to be the winner of today's game between Papua New Guinea and Thailand, on Friday. The final will be on September 25, with both finalists securing a place in next year's showpiece event in South Africa.