Tigresses aiming to directly qualify for the ODI World Cup next year

Although a press conference was organised to announce the series sponsor between the women's cricket teams of Bangladesh and Ireland, discussions on next year's Women's ODI World Cup also surfaced in Mirpur on Wednesday.

The equation for Bangladesh is clear: to secure direct qualification for the World Cup the team must overcome significant challenges.

Despite the difficulties, Habibul Bashar, head of the BCB's women's department, remains optimistic about Bangladesh's chances of qualifying directly.

The Women's 50-over World Cup will be hosted in neighbouring India next year.

To qualify directly, Bangladesh must win all their remaining matches in the ICC Women's ODI Super League.

They have six matches left—three at home against Ireland and three away in the West Indies.

While Bangladesh are confident of defeating Ireland at home, the matches against the West Indies on their turf will undoubtedly be a tougher challenge.

For now, Bangladesh is focused on the Ireland series. The Irish team will arrive in Bangladesh on 22 November to play three ODIs and three T20Is.

The ODIs are scheduled for 27 and 30 November and 2 December at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The T20Is will take place on 5, 7, and 9 December at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Square Group has been announced as the series sponsor, and the series has been named the 'Senora Ireland Women's Tour of Bangladesh 2024, Powered by Ruchi'.

When asked about direct World Cup qualification during the press conference, Habibul Bashar stated, "We have six matches left—three against Ireland and three against the West Indies. Every match is crucial for us. However, we are not thinking about all the matches at once. For now, our focus is on this series. Since we are playing at home, we will have some added advantages."

"Our primary goal is to win all three matches. There will be some pressure, as there's always pressure to perform. That's quite natural. So far, the girls seem determined. Everyone wants to perform well; everyone wants to play in the World Cup. Since we're playing at home, I hope we'll achieve good results," added the former national team captain.

The Bangladesh women's cricket team began preparations for the series on 1 November.

Speaking about the preparations, Bashar said, "We've been preparing for this series for quite some time. The players have been practising since the 1st of this month. They've been playing consistently, having recently competed in the World Cup. Although there was a short break, they've returned to training. During this time, we've made good progress. Let's see how we perform on the field."

Perhaps to maximise the home advantage, all ODI matches of the series will be held at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Considering the team's strengths and abilities, it's likely that slow and turning pitches will be prepared.

This is Ireland's first-ever bilateral series in Bangladesh, though the teams share a history.

Bangladesh women began their international journey in 2011 with a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland.

Out of six ODIs played between the two teams, Bangladesh has won three, and lost one, while two matches were abandoned.