Bangladesh secure ODI status with wins

	Bangladesh's nine-wicket win against USA got them ODI status © ICC/Mainoor Islam Manik Enlarge
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Bangladesh Women secured one-day international status for the first time with a nine-wicket victory over USA Women in a low-scoring game in Savar. USA won the toss and chose to bat but were bowled out for 78 thanks to 4 for 20 from Khadiza Tul Kubra. Bangladesh then took just 18.5 overs to reach their target with Suktara Rahaman top scoring with an unbeaten 29.

Bangladesh captain, Salma Khatun, was delighted with her side's achievement. "It feels fantastic to have gained ODI status and it means a lot for Bangladesh women's cricket, things can only get better from here."

Ireland Women retained their ODI status by beating Netherlands Women by four wickets in Savar. The Dutch, batting first after winning the toss, could only post 139 for 9 from their 50 overs, with Kerry-Anne Tomlinson making 34 before being run out by the Ireland captain, Isobel Joyce. Jill Whelan's 27 was the mainstay of the Ireland innings as they got home with 17 overs to spare. The result means Netherlands lose their ODI status.

"We aimed to retain ODI status today so I'm not too disappointed with the team's performance," Joyce said. "That being said, we will have to improve if we are to beat Bangladesh and retain ninth place in the global rankings on Saturday."

Elsewhere, pre-tournament favourites South Africa Women were the victims of an upset as they lost to Pakistan Women by three wickets in Mirpur in the first semi-final. South Africa, ranked fifth in the world, batted first and scored 180 for 9 with skipper Mignon du Preez making 41. In reply, Pakistan slipped to 140 for 7 before 28 not out from Marina Iqbal and 22 not out from Asmavia Iqbal saw their side home with 13 balls to spare.

Pakistan will play West Indies Women in the final after they were comfortable 58-run victors over Sri Lanka Women in Fatullah. West Indies won the toss, batted first and posted 235 for 5. A partnership of 70 for the fourth wicket between Deandra Dottin (73) and Merissa Aguilleira (53 not out) helped their side to a commanding total which Sri Lanka, despite an opening stand of 67, never looked like chasing as they lost 7 for 40 with three wickets for Anisa Mohammed, closing on 177 for 7.