India and New Zealand sealed their places at the 2016 Women’s World Twenty20 with well-earned victories in the qualification play-offs in Sylhet.
The four semi-finalists in the current tournament – England, Australia, West Indies and South Africa – along with today’s victors qualify directly for the next edition of the tournament, with other teams entering a separate preliminary phase.
It made India’s six-run victory over rivals Pakistan particularly significant as they are the hosts of the 2016 competition.
Having won the toss, India captain Mithali Raj was once again in fine form with an anchoring knock of 39 from number three amid a slump from 61 for one to 106 for seven.
A trio of wickets from Soniya Dabir left India well placed but the medium pacer’s last victim, Nahida Khan scored 26 to keep Pakistan in with a shout.
Heroics from number nine Nida Dar brought about a dramatic finale, with 17 needed from the final over. Pakistan could only manage 11 to complete 100 for nine as Batool Fatima was run out after hitting her second four, while Dar remained on 24.
In the early game, Sri Lanka posted a handy 131 for seven, thanks largely to Chamari Atapattu’s 46 and 45 by Yasoda Mendis.
But New Zealand completed their chase by six wickets with as many deliveries to spare – captain Suzie Bates ensuring a flying start with 45 from 31 balls and a similarly brisk unbeaten 42 from wicketkeeper Rachel Priest seeing the job through.