Hosts' last chance to qualify

SMILES BEFORE THE CRUNCH GAME: Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun (R) and her Sri Lanka counterpart Dilani Manodara are all smiles after their meeting with members of the PLHIV Network of Bangladesh at their Mohammadpur office of Ashar Alo Society yesterday. The two will meet in a game that is considered do-or-die for the hosts. Photo: Banglarchokh.com

Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka today in a crucial play-off match of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Salma Khatun's side can write a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh women's cricket as victory in this match will not only confirm their first-ever qualification to the Women's World Cup to be held in 2013 in India but also ensure the much-desired ODI status. But it will not be an easy task for the home team to turn the tables as the records speak in favour of the Lankan side. Recently Bangladesh lost five matches against Sri Lanka mainly because of their poor batting, so a big hurdle has to be overcome if they are to make their dream come true.
All however will not be lost even if Bangladesh today as they will get another chance to secure the ODI status when they meet USA in the fifth place play-off match on November 24 at BKSP.
Despite poor showings in the practice matches the Bangladesh tent were confident about their chances against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh's Indian coach Mamatha Maben said that her charges are ready to give their best in the match.
Bangladesh rode on their spinners to outclass Japan and Ireland in the group matches and spinner Khadizatul Kubra, who has so far picked up 12 wickets in the tournament, said that they will again bank on their spinners in today's do-or-die match.
“For us the batting is very important and I hope we will come up with a better batting show against Sri Lanka. I think the pitch will assist the spinners and that's why we are confident,” Kubra told the reporters.
Sri Lanka skipper Dilani Manadora said that they are not taking their opponents lightly despite a good previous record against them as Bangladesh have proved their improvement in the tournament.
“They have improved a lot since we played them and we are not taking them lightly, but we are confident about qualifying for the World Cup,” said Manadora.
In the day's other matches, Japan meet with Zimbabwe at BKSP and Netherlands play against Pakistan at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium.