Bangladesh fail to make semis after washout against UAE

Defending champions Bangladesh were eliminated from the group stages of the Women's Asia Cup following a washout against UAE in their last round-robin match in Sylhet on Tuesday.

Bangladesh, who beat India in the final of the last edition four years ago, finished fifth on the table with five points from six matches after sharing a point each with UAE in the abandoned match on Tuesday.

Thailand, who have six points from six matches, go into the semifinals alongside six-time champions India as well as Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A win against UAE would have ensured Bangladesh a last-four spot, given their superior net run rate over Thailand but rain enforced a complete washout without a ball bowled.

The hosts had beaten Thailand and Malaysia in this competition while losing against India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The elimination comes as a stark reminder for Bangladesh in regards to the gulf with the top-tier nations in women's cricket. Given the way the team capitulated against Sri Lanka while chasing 41 in seven overs on the previous day -- a defeat which made their semifinal berth difficult --shows there is a lot of work to be done on the batting department.