Tigresses exit with heads held high

England secured a place in the ICC Women's World Cup semifinals with a crushing 100-run victory over Bangladesh in their final group stage match in Wellington yesterday while India were denied a place in the final four by South Africa after a last-ball thriller in Christchurch.

Defeat spelled the end of Bangladesh's maiden ODI World Cup campaign, but the debutants did well as they finished seventh in the table and with a historic nine-run win over Pakistan to their name. The Tigresses lost all their other matches, but showed glimpses of brilliance with the ball during thrilling encounters against West Indies, Australia and South Africa. Meanwhile, players from the West Indies were seen dancing and celebrating across social media as South Africa scored the winning runs against India, which meant the Windies will advance to face Australia in the semis.

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty highlighted the positives after their final match of the tournament.

"Disappointed with the team effort but happy with the individual effort," Nigar said. "Salma Khatun was brilliant throughout the tournament. I have to mention Nahida Akhter, Jahanara Alam and Ritu Moni as well. The last two matches Lata played brilliantly," she said, adding that they were looking forward to playing more international matches.

"We need to play more internationals matches and we will learn more. We were coming here to get experience and we want to take all the positives for the future. Nowadays at home, lots of young girls want to play for Bangladesh. After this World Cup, there will be more."