Thailand qualify into the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals for the first time

Thailand confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup for the very first time, after Bangladesh's last league-stage game against UAE on Tuesday morning was washed out. Bangladesh - defending champions and hosts - needed the two points to move to fourth and take the last available semi-final position, however, they could collect only one point after the rained-out fixture, thus finishing fifth.

While Bangladesh ended up with only two wins and five points, Thailand won three: defeating UAE, Malaysia, and most significantly Pakistan by four wickets to finish on six points.

Thailand's success at the Asia Cup has been on the back of runs from openers Nannapat Koncharoenkai and Natthakan Chantham, and the captain Naruemol Chaiwai who usually make up the top three of their batting. With the ball, left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong is among the top-five wicket-takers with eight scalps.

Until 48 hours ago, Bangladesh looked set for a semi-final place to try and defend their Asia Cup title successfully. They needed two points from their last two matches, however, they lost to Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened match where they failed to chase 41 in seven overs. With two overs left in the chase, Bangladesh were 27 for 2, needing 14 to win in 12 deliveries, but lost four wickets in the penultimate over bowled by Inoka Ranaweera and eventually stuttered to a four-run defeat. On Tuesday against UAE, Bangladesh had the opportunity to bounce back with another chance to earn two points, however, rain had the final say on this occasion.

How the top four line up, though, is yet to be decided. While Sri Lanka and Pakistan have both qualified, a big win for either side in the last league-stage game of the competition could take either side to as high as first place on the points table. India, the other qualifier, could slide to second place at worst, while Thailand are assured of fourth spot.

At the other end of the points table, behind fifth-place Bangladesh lie UAE (sixth) and Malaysia (seventh). UAE earned one win in six games while Malaysia finished without any wins.

Source: ESPNcricinfo