The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier represents the final step of the qualification process for the Women’s T20 World Cup. The inaugural edition took place in 2013, featuring eight teams. However, in 2024, the number of participating teams was expanded to ten. Let’s delve into the teams that qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup via the qualifiers.
2013 – Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Ireland
The inaugural edition saw the top three teams advancing to the 2014 Women’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan, allocated to Group A alongside the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, and Thailand, showcased dominance throughout the group stage, securing victories in all three matches and amassing 6 points. In the semifinal, Pakistan comfortably defeated Ireland by 9 wickets, propelled by an outstanding bowling performance from Sadia Yousuf, who finished with figures of 4/9.
Sri Lanka, placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Canada, and Japan, also asserted dominance in their group, securing the top position with 6 points. However, rain intervened during the semifinal clash between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious by 33 runs (D/L).
Meanwhile, Ireland, enjoying home advantage, finished behind Sri Lanka in their group with 4 points, securing victories in 2 matches and suffering 1 defeat.
The third-place playoff witnessed a closely contested match between the losing semifinalists, Ireland and the Netherlands. The former clinched victory by a narrow margin of 2 runs, thereby securing their spot in the 2014 Women’s T20 World Cup.
In the final, persistent heavy showers led to only the completion of the 1st innings, forcing the game to be extended to the following day. However, due to the wet outfield, the match was called off, resulting in a no-result outcome, with both teams sharing the winner’s trophy.
2015 – Ireland & Bangladesh
This tournament served as a qualifying process for the 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup in India.
Ireland, placed in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, China, and the Netherlands, exhibited dominance on the field, clinching victories in all their matches and securing a total of 6 points. In the semifinal against their rival Scotland, Ireland displayed formidable prowess, emerging victorious by 9 wickets.
Bangladesh, allocated to Group A alongside Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand, showcased exceptional performance, securing victories in all their matches and claiming the top position in their group with 6 points. In their semifinal against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh secured victory by a margin of 31 runs.
In the highly anticipated final, Ireland emerged triumphant, clinching the competition by 2 wickets in a thrilling encounter against Bangladesh.
2018 – Bangladesh & Ireland
Bangladesh were allocated to Group A alongside Papua New Guinea, the United Arab Emirates, and the hosts Netherlands. They dominated the group stage, securing victories in all matches, thus accumulating 6 points. In the semi-final, they faced Scotland, defeating them by 49 runs and thereby securing their qualification for the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ireland was grouped in Group B alongside Scotland, Uganda, and Thailand. They also secured the top position with 6 points, emerging victorious in all their matches. In the semi-final clash, Ireland extended their winning streak, triumphing over Papua New Guinea by 27 runs, thereby securing their berth in the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In the final, Bangladesh clinched victory by a margin of 25 runs. Panna Ghosh of Bangladesh was awarded the Player of the Match for her remarkable achievement of claiming her first five-wicket haul in WT20Is.
2019 – Bangladesh & Thailand
Bangladesh competed in Group A alongside Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and the United States. They dominated the group, securing the top position with a flawless record, winning all their matches and accumulating 6 points. In the semi-final, Bangladesh faced off against Ireland, emerging victorious by 4 wickets. This victory solidified their spot in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
While Thailand competed in Group B alongside Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia, they claimed the top position in the group, amassing 6 points and securing their status as table toppers. In the semi-final clash, Thailand triumphed over Papua New Guinea by 8 wickets, cementing their place in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In the final, Bangladesh emerged victorious over Thailand by a commanding margin of 70 runs.
2022 – Bangladesh & Ireland
Bangladesh maintained their dominance throughout the group stage, securing victories in all matches and securing the top spot with a perfect record of 6 points. They were in Group A with Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. In a tightly contested semi-final, featuring Bangladesh and Thailand, the former emerged victorious by a margin of 11 runs. This victory ensured their qualification for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ireland secured the second position in Group A, trailing behind Bangladesh with 4 points. They managed to win 2 matches while losing 1 in the group stage. In the other semi-final, Ireland clinched a narrow victory against Zimbabwe, prevailing by a margin of 4 runs. This hard-fought win secured their berth in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The final between Bangladesh and Ireland delivered another intense battle, with Bangladesh narrowly clinching victory by a mere 7 runs.
2024 – Sri Lanka & Scotland
Group A comprised Sri Lanka, Scotland, Thailand, Uganda, and the United States. Sri Lanka asserted their dominance by triumphing in all their matches, securing the top spot in Group A with a perfect record of 8 points, thereby advancing to the playoffs. In the semi-final clash, Sri Lanka faced the United Arab Emirates, emerging victorious by a margin of 15 runs. This triumph secured their place in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Scotland claimed the second position in Group A, following Sri Lanka closely with 6 points, courtesy of winning 3 matches and losing 1. In the semi-final showdown, Scotland confronted their arch-rivals Ireland and emerged triumphant with an emphatic 8-wicket victory. This win secured their place in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, marking a historic debut for Scotland in the tournament.
The final was played between Sri Lanka and Scotland on May 7, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 68 runs, with their skipper Chamari Athapaththu declared the Player of the Match for her excellent batting performance of 102 (63).
The final happened on 7th May at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Sri Lanka and Scotland clashed in an intense battle for supremacy. Sri Lanka asserted their dominance with a commanding victory by 68 runs. Their skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, showcased exceptional skill and leadership, earning the Player of the Match title for her outstanding batting performance, amassing an impressive 102 runs off 63 deliveries.