ICC reveals plans for expanded broadcast coverage of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2016

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the schedule of broadcast matches for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be played alongside the men’s Super 10 matches from 15 March.

For the first time in the history of this competition, ICC TV will produce live broadcast coverage of 13 women’s matches, which, in turn will be carried around the world by ICC’s Global Broadcast Partner Star Sports and other broadcast partners.

In the four ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournaments so far, only the semifinals and final were broadcast live. In what will be a massive boost to women’s cricket and exposure to the women’s event, there will be live coverage of 10 out of 22 group matches in addition to the two semifinals and the final.

This expanded coverage is in line with ICC’s strategic plan to further promote and publicise women’s cricket, which continues to scale new heights globally.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “The ICC is committed to promoting all formats of the game, both men’s and women’s. The quality and depth of women’s cricket continues to improve year on year, producing an exciting, skillful and attractive brand of cricket.

“The live broadcast coverage of 13 matches from the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 is part of this strategy and will provide further impetus to the growth of the women’s game. I am confident that fans will enjoy watching the stars in action”

Clare Connor, ICC Women’s Committee Chair, was delighted with the news. “It is fantastic and ground-breaking news for the women’s game that 13 matches from the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 will be broadcast live across the world. On the eve of International Women’s Day it is powerful to see ICC’s commitment towards driving equality across men’s and women’s cricket. These broadcast matches will help us grow the women’s game worldwide, inspiring the next generation to pick up a bat and ball and play cricket.”

The ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 will feature the eight sides participating in the ICC Women’s Championship along with Bangladesh and Ireland, which progressed from the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier? Thailand 2015.

England won the inaugural tournament in England but then Australia won in Barbados, Colombo and Dhaka to complete a hat-trick of titles.

The following is the schedule of women’s broadcast matches:

ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Trophy final
Bangladesh v Ireland.

Tuesday, 15 March – India v Bangladesh, Bengaluru (1530) Group B
Thursday, 17 March – England v Bangladesh, Bengaluru (1530) Group B
Saturday, 19 March – India v Pakistan, Delhi (1530), Group B
Monday, 21 March – Australia v New Zealand, Nagpur (1530) Group A
Tuesday, 22 March – England v India, Dharamsala (1530), Group B
Thursday, 24 March – Australia v Sri Lanka, Delhi (1530), Group A; Pakistan v Bangladesh, Delhi (1930) Group B
Saturday, 26 March – Australia v Ireland, Delhi (1530), Group A
Sunday, 27 March – West Indies v India, Mohali (1530), Group B
Monday, 28 March – South Africa v Sri Lanka, Bengaluru (1530), Group A
Wednesday, 30 March – First semi-final, Delhi (1430)
Thursday, 31 March – Second semi-final, Mumbai (1430)
Sunday, 3 April – Final, Kolkata (1430)

Ireland Beats Bangladesh To Lift ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

There was high drama in the final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 on Saturday when Ireland defeated Bangladesh by two wickets to clinch victory off the last ball of the game in Thailand Cricket Ground in Bangkok.

The two sides went into Saturday’s final having previously booked the last two coveted places in next year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 when they won their respective semi-finals on Thursday. But both sides were determined to finish the competition on a high as Bangladesh, having won the toss, reached 105 for three, thanks chiefly to a 74-run third-wicket partnership between Nigar Sultana (41) and Rumana Ahmed (38 not out). Leg spinner Ciara Metcalfe was Ireland’s best bowler and returned economical figures of three for 14 runs.

Set a victory target of 106, Ireland appeared to be coasting after Cecelia Joyce had steered the side early on with a breezy 32, but a flurry of middle order wickets put the pressure on thanks mainly to the efforts of Bangladesh duo Rumana Ahmed (two for 16) and Nahida Akter (two for 18). However Laura Delany (26 not out) held her composure to guide Ireland home off the last ball of the game to send Ireland into raptures in damp, challenging conditions.

Speaking after the Trophy final, a delighted Ireland captain Isobel Joyce said: “It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so proud of my team for getting over the line in really tough conditions. Bangladesh are an excellent bowling team, especially Salma Khatun who was bowling the last over, who is so experienced and would back herself every time to keep any team under eight (runs).

“I’m really delighted for Laura Delany because she didn’t have it her own way during her innings, but she stuck in and was there to help the team and Lucy O’Reilly over the line. The team took it one ball at a time, which is important especially in Twenty20 (cricket), rather than thinking about the whole match which can overwhelm you, because if we needed 12 or 13 runs off the last over it might have been too much. I think the fact that we scored well in the first few overs took the pressure off a little bit at the back end.”

Ireland

Bangladesh Women’s coach Janak Gamage reflected: “The plans was to bat first and get close to 115 runs, but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough. I thought our bowlers did very well throughout the tournament and though we’re disappointed today, we’ll look forward to playing in the World Twenty20. Our target is to play well during the tournament and win a few games, but we know it will be a real challenge.”

Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed was named the player of the series after claiming 14 wickets in the tournament.

Bangladesh and Ireland will join reigning champion Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the event proper, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea defeated China by seven wickets to clinch the Shield final with Tanya Ruma’s 37 not out helping her side reach the victory target of 94 with eight balls remaining.

Zimbabwe had early secured the 3rd place Trophy play-off when it defeated Scotland by three wickets, thanks mainly to an inspired all-round performance from skipper Chipo Mugeri who took two wickets for 17 runs and then scored 47 not out to guide the Africans home. In the Shield play-off, host Thailand beat Netherlands by nine wickets thanks to Naruemol Chaiwai’s 34 not out at the Asian Institute of Technology

Scores in brief:

Trophy Final

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok

Bangladesh Women 105-3, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 41, Rumana Ahmed 38 not out; Ciara Metcalfe 3-14)
Ireland Women, 106-8, 20 overs (Cecelia Joyce 32, Laura Delany 26 not out; Rumana Ahmed 2-16, Nahida Akter 2-18)
Ireland Women won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh Women)

Trophy 3rd Place Play-Off

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok

Scotland Women, 94-4, 20 overs (Fi Urquhart 19, Rachel Scholes 19; Chipo Mugeri 2-17)
Zimbabwe Women, 95-7, 19.5 overs (Chipo Mugeri 47 not out, Pellagia Mujaji 18; Kirstie Gordon 3-21)
Zimbabwe Women won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Chipo Mugeri (Zimbabwe)

ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Trophy final
Bangladesh v Ireland.

Shield Final

At Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok

China Women, 93-4, 20 overs (C Zhou 26, Zhao Ning 20; Ravina Oa 1-14, Sibona Jimmy 1-14)
Papua New Guinea Women, 94-3, 18.4 overs (Tanya Ruma 37 not out, Varoi Morea 30; F Song 1-20)
Papua New Guinea won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Tanya Ruma (Papua New Guinea Women)

Shield 3rd Place Play-Off

At Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok

Netherlands Women, 70, 19 overs (Sterre Kalis 21; Sornnrin Tippoch 2-11)
Thailand Women, 71-1, 14.1 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 34 not out; Elt de Lange 1-12)
Thailand won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Naruemol Chaiwai (Thailand Women)

Bangladesh And Ireland Secure Places In ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016

Bangladesh and Ireland have booked the last two coveted places in next year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 when they won their respective semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier Thailand 2015, over Zimbabwe and Scotland respectively, in Bangkok on Thursday.

Bangladesh and Ireland will now join reigning champion Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the event proper, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016.

In the first match of the day at Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by 31 runs to book their place in the final of the Trophy and a place on the plane to India. Having been restricted to 89 for five wickets, thanks in large part to Fargana Hoque’s run-a-ball 43, an inspired bowling display, led by Rumana Ahmed (who took four wickets for eight) then helped the Asian side to victory as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 58.

Speaking after the first semi final, a delighted Jahanara Alam, Bangladesh Women’s captain, said: “From the beginning, we were under a little pressure. The wicket wasn’t good, it was on the slower side. But Sharmin and Fargana got a very good partnership, which is why we reached 89. We had the confidence, we knew if we scored 80-plus, then we have a strong bowling and fielding side. We again proved that we are a good side. The team is very happy, there is a lot of excitement today. This is the first time we have qualified for the ICC Women’s World T20. Last time, we directly played in the event, but this time we needed to qualify, so we’re very happy.”

Ireland secure place in ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016

The action then turned to a showdown between European rivals Ireland and Scotland. Teenager Lucy O’Reilly put in a disciplined display and clinched two late wickets to claim figures of three for 16, with Robyn Lewis chipping in with two wickets for eight runs as Scotland reached 77 for nine, thanks in large part to Fi Urquhart’s 21. In reply, Ireland started strongly and maintained that momentum throughout with openers Clare Shillington (34) and Cecelia Joyce (36 not out) leading from the front with a first wicket partnership of 58 that helped Ireland chase down the target with nine wickets and 8.3 overs to spare.

Ahead of Saturday’s final, Ireland captain Isobel Joyce has hailed her side’s efforts in overcoming Scotland. “We’re really excited and this was the aim for us since we knew the tournament was going to be in Thailand. We really want to win the tournament, but the first job is done for us.

“Cecelia (Joyce) and Shillers (Clare Shillington) know that they have licence to play their shots and they really took the wind out of Scotland’s sails early on. Lucy (O’Reilly) is our number one fielder and our go-to bowler when we need to finish off the innings. She has got a lot of different balls in her armory and it’s unbelievable to think that she’s only 16 years old, so we’ll be looking forward to seeing what she can do in India.

“It’s on to Bangladesh now and we will take it one match at a time. The plan will be to focus on our game because they (Bangladesh) have very smart spinners. But we will play the balls that are bowled (to us) and do our best.”

Meanwhile, in the Shield semi-finals, Papua New Guinea clinched a one-wicket last ball victory over the Netherlands and will now face China who defeated host Thailand by five runs.

The losing sides in both the Trophy – Zimbabwe and Scotland – and the Shield – Netherlands and Thailand – will now face off in a third/fourth place play-offs.

Scores in brief:

Trophy Semi-Finals

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok

Bangladesh Women 89-5, 20 overs (Fargana Hoque 43, Sharmin Akhter 22; Josephine Nkomo 2-12)

Zimbabwe Women, 58 all out, 19.1 overs (Pellagia Mujaji 10; Rumana Ahmed 4-8)

Bangladesh Women won by 31 runs

Player of the Match: Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh Women)

Bangladesh secure place in ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok

Scotland Women, 77-9, 20 overs (Fi Urquhart 21; Lucy O’Reilly 3-16, Robyn Lewis 2-8)

Ireland Women, 75-4, 18.2 overs (Cecelia Joyce 36 not out, Clare Shillington 34; Kirstie Gordon 1-33)

Ireland Women won by 9 wickets

Player of the Match: Lucy O’Reilly (Ireland Women)

Shield Semi-Finals

At Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok

Netherlands Women, 105-4, 20 overs (Sterre Kalis 33; Miranda Veringmeier 25; Norma Ovasuru 1-15)

Papua New Guinea Women, 106-9, 20 overs (Pauke Siaka 31, Sibona Jimmy 21; Christine Erkelens 3-9)

Papua New Guinea won by 1 wicket

Player of the Match: Pauke Siaka (Papua New Guinea Women)

At Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok

China Women, 82, 20 overs (C Zhou 31; S Laomi 2-16)

Thailand Women, 77-8, 20 overs (O Kamchomphu 11; L Yingying 2-3, F Song 1-13)

China won by 5 runs

Player of the Match: L Yingying (China Women)

Saturday’s fixtures:

1000-1245: 3/4 Trophy P-Off – Zimbabwe v Scotland, TCG
1000-1245: 3/4 Shield P-Off – Netherlands v Thailand, AIT
1345-1630: Trophy Final – Bangladesh v Ireland, TCG
1345-1630: Shield Final – Papua New Guinea v China, AIT

Semi-Finalists Eye Last Two Places In ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 on Thursday

Ireland to face Scotland and Bangladesh to face Zimbabwe as last four sides aiming to book passage to India

Live scoring available at http://www.icc-cricket.com; photographs will be available for free download and editorial use here; more information available on the event site

Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland will be competing for the two coveted places in next year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 when they face off in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier Thailand 2015 in Bangkok on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Ireland claimed its third victory of the pool stages when it defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets at Terdthai Cricket Ground, but both sides qualified for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier semi-final from Group B. Ireland will play host to European rivals Scotland, while Zimbabwe will now face Bangladesh who topped Group A.

In the other Group B game at Asian Institute of Technology Ground, China edged Netherlands in a close contest to register its first win of the tournament and will face host Thailand in the Shield semi final on Thursday, with Papua New Guinea set to face the Netherlands in the other tie.

The Trophy finalists will be aiming to join reigning champion Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the event proper, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016.

This is the second edition of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier, after the 2013 event was hosted by Ireland with Pakistan and Sri Lanka being adjudged as joint winners.

Scotland’s Fiona Urquhart in action against Bangladesh bowler Fahuma Khatun. Credit: @ICC

Scores in brief:

At Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
Bangladesh Women 100-7, 20 overs (Fargana Hoque 28, Nigar Sultana 14; K Seura 2-2)
Papau New Guinea Women, 59 all out, 19.5 overs (V Frank 13 not out, T Ruma 12; Khadija Tul Kubra 5-11)
Bangladesh Women won by 41 runs
Player of the Match: Khadija Tul Kubra (Bangladesh Women)

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Thailand Women, 74-7, 20 overs (C Sutthiruang 21, S Tippoch 15; K Anderson 2-13)
Scotland Women, 75-4, 18.2 overs (RV Scholes 32, KE Bryce 13 not out; S Tippoch 2-20)
Scotland Women won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: RV Scholes (Scotland Women)

At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Zimbabwe Women, 78 all out, 19 overs (M Mupachikwa 15, Isobel Joyce 4-20)
Ireland Women, 79-3, 15.2 overs (Cecelia Joyce 36, Clare Shillington 22; CS Mugeri 1-17)
Ireland Women won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Isobel Joyce (Ireland Women)

Ireland’s Isobel Joyce strikes the ball as Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Chipo Mugeri looks on. Credit: @ICC

At Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok

Netherlands Women, 101-6, 20 overs (M Veringmeier 26, CC van Slobbe 25; L Jie 1-15)
China Women, 103-5, 18.4 overs (Huang Zhuo 40 not out, F Song 21; HDJ Siegers 2-17)
China Women by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Huang Zhuo (China Women)

Wednesday is a rest/reserve day.

Thursday’s fixtures are:

Trophy Semi-Final 1- Bangladesh Women v Zimbabwe Women, Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok (10.00 local time)
Shield Semi-Final 1- Papau New Guinea Women v Netherlands Women, At Asian Institute of Technology Ground (10.00 local time)
Trophy Semi-Final 2- Ireland Women v Scotland Women, Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok (13.45 local time)
Shield Semi-Final 2- China Women v Thailand Women, At At Asian Institute of Technology Ground (13.45 local time)