In a dramatic turn of events at the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, the West Indies have been knocked out of the tournament despite a dominant win over Thailand. The Caribbean side chased down the 167-run target in just 10.5 overs—but it was 3 balls too late to seal qualification. As fate would have it, those 3 balls were enough to propel Bangladesh into the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Following their earlier loss to Pakistan, Bangladesh’s hopes rested not in their own hands, but in the outcome—and margins—of the West Indies vs. Thailand match. It wasn`t just about who won, but how.

The high-stakes equation

Once Thailand was bundled out for 166 runs, the qualification math came into play. For the West Indies to overtake Bangladesh in net run rate (NRR) and book their ticket to India, they had to complete the chase in 10 overs flat. That was the cleanest route.

However, there were slim chances built into the nuances of cricket scoring. If they equalled the score and hit a boundary (four) to win, they could take up to 10.4 overs. If they hit a six after equalling the score, they had up to 11 overs. The difference between celebration and heartbreak was a matter of decimal points and precise execution.

A win that wasn`t enough

The West Indies did win—and in emphatic fashion. They chased down the target with 235 balls to spare, finishing in 10.5 overs and ending the match with a six. But it was still not enough.

Their net run rate, even after such a commanding win, rose only to 0.626—just short of Bangladesh’s 0.639. That slender margin made all the difference.

Bangladesh sneak in

For Nigar Sultana Jyoti’s team, who were left waiting and watching, the outcome meant everything. Bangladesh, despite their earlier defeat to Pakistan, edged past West Indies on net run rate and claimed the eighth and final spot in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

It’s a moment of relief and triumph for the Bangladesh women’s team, who have shown resilience and promise throughout the qualifiers.

What’s next

The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup kicks off in India on September 29, featuring the world’s top eight teams. Bangladesh will now join the likes of Australia, England, India, and others on the biggest stage in women’s cricket.

The West Indies, despite a stunning final match performance, will be watching from the sidelines—a painful reminder that in cricket, sometimes, even a victory isn’t enough.