Bangladesh defeated by Pakistan in final qualifier, outcome hinges on West Indies

Bangladesh endured a heavy seven-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their final fixture of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore, casting serious doubt over their chances of progressing to the main tournament in India.

A victory over Pakistan — who had already secured qualification with a game to spare — would have ensured the Tigresses a place in the main event. However, yet again, a fragile batting performance let them down. Bangladesh posted a modest 178 for nine in their allotted 50 overs, a total that never truly challenged Pakistan on a batting-friendly surface at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.

Pakistan, displaying a composed and calculated approach with the bat, comfortably chased down the target, reaching 181 for three in just 39.4 overs to seal an emphatic win.

The defeat followed a narrow three-wicket loss to the West Indies on Thursday, which had already complicated Bangladesh's qualification scenario. Despite beginning the tournament with three consecutive victories, back-to-back defeats have now left their campaign in a precarious position.

There remains a faint glimmer of hope, with Bangladesh's superior net run rate potentially working in their favour. However, that advantage is under threat, as the West Indies mounted a dominant display in their final group stage match against Thailand. At the last update, the Caribbean side had reduced Thailand to 92 for six in 28 overs, putting themselves in a strong position to overtake Bangladesh in the standings.

With their fate no longer in their own hands, Bangladesh must now await the outcome of the West Indies vs Thailand encounter, their World Cup hopes hanging delicately in the balance.