Bangladesh crowned champions after beating Ireland

Bangladesh have become unbeaten champions in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers, beating Ireland by seven runs in the final at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Choosing to bat first in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier final, Bangladesh posted a par 120/8 that was helped by Fargana Hoque's 61 off 55 balls.

Only one other Bangladesh batter managed to make double digits as Ireland produced an eye-catching bowling display.

Fargana made just over half of the team runs from the top of the order, but the lack of support and the regular fall of wickets at the other end meant that she could not quite accelerate much as Bangladesh finished on 120/8 batting first.

Skipper Laura Delany starred with the ball for Ireland with 3/27 while Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray took a couple of wickets apiece.

In reply, Sanjida Akter and Nahida Akter reduced Ireland to 24/3, taking out the cream of the European side's top order.

Delany and Eimear Richardson tried to put up a fight, but Bangladesh struck again to sink Ireland further.

Both teams have already qualified to play in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa next year.