Tigresses’ World Cup path hinges on Ireland series

Bangladesh will brace for a difficult journey to secure direct qualification for next year's ICC Women's ODI World Cup, with the upcoming Ireland series marking their first major hurdle.

The Tigresses are currently placed ninth out of 10 teams in the ICC Women's Championship (IWC) 2022–2025 cycle, with 13 points from 18 games.

To secure direct qualification for the eight-team tournament as one of the top six sides in IWC, Bangladesh must win all three home matches against Ireland, starting on November 27 in Mirpur, and defeat West Indies in at least two of their final three fixtures next month in the Caribbean.

According to the qualification scenario, India have already gained direct entry by virtue of being hosts, while Australia, England, and South Africa have already booked their place in the marquee event.

The seventh and eighth spots will be decided through a global qualifier featuring six teams -- the bottom four from the IWC and two additional teams based on rankings.

In 2022, Bangladesh women made their ODI World Cup debut as one of the three qualifying teams, alongside Pakistan and West Indies, based on rankings when the qualifiers were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"As a team, we must earn all six points from this Ireland series," experienced campaigner Jahanara Alam, who recently returned to the ODI fold after 18 months, told The Daily Star yesterday.

The Tigresses, however, face a tough task against an in-form Ireland, who recently beat England and Sri Lanka, while the hosts are winless this year and last played a 50-over match in March.

Vice-captain Nahida Akter acknowledged the series would be "challenging", noting Ireland's strong recent performances. Bangladesh, however, have won three WODIs against Ireland, losing only once.

"We have the determination and hunger to beat the Irish side in the series. We have a series against the West Indies next, but right now we are focusing on this series and planning how to win it," Nahida told The Daily Star.

"I think in all the series we've played on home soil, we have done really well. I think we have the confidence to win this series as well. It will be our first series against Ireland in Mirpur. We have a good idea about the Mirpur wicket."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board's women's wing head, Habibul Bashar, claimed the team had taken decent preparation ahead of the Irish assignment.

"We have been preparing for the series for a long time. Since November 1, our girls have been taking part in a preparation camp. I think they have improved a lot," Bashar said yesterday, during the title sponsor declaration ceremony of the series in Mirpur.

"There will be some nerves and pressure to perform well; it's quite normal. Everyone wants to do well and play in the World Cup. As we will be playing on home soil [against Ireland], I hope we will do well," added the former Bangladesh captain.