Ireland and Bangladesh qualify for 2023 Women's T20 World Cup

In the semi-finals of the qualifier tournament in the UAE, Ireland defeated Zimbabwe and Bangladesh beat Thailand. Bangladesh later beat Ireland in the final

Ireland and Bangladesh have qualified for the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup.

Following an eight-team qualifying tournament in the UAE, the two sides reached the final to secure their respective spots in South Africa next year.

Bangladesh later won the final by seven runs.

^{Ireland will appear at the T20 World Cup for the fourth time [Charles McQuillan/Getty Images]}

In the first semi-final on September 23, Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by four runs. Orla Prendergast top-scored for Ireland with 28 as they posted 137 for 6 before Jane Maguire's economical spell of 2 for 18 hampered Zimbabwe's chase.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, defeated Thailand – who played at the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia – by 11 runs, successfully defending 114 thanks to standout performances from Salma Khatun (3 for 18) and Sanjida Meghla (2 for 7).

The 2023 T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 9-26, with South Africa, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies completing the 10-strong line-up.

Bangladesh have appeared at each of the past four T20 World Cups, failing to progress beyond round one every time. Ireland, meanwhile, are making their fourth appearance in the competition after previously featuring in 2014, 2016 and 2018.