Basseterre, Jan 25 (Agency) New Zealand have ensured a direct entry to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 after Bangladesh lost the last match of their ICC Women’s Championship series against the West Indies here. New Zealand were assured the direct berth on Friday as they finished ahead of Bangladesh on the basis of registering more wins (nine to Bangladesh’s eight) after both teams finished with 21 pointsin the 10-team tournament, that saw all teams play eight three-match series – four at home and four away.
Hosts India and the other five top teams were assured of direct qualification while the bottom four get a chance to make it through a Qualifier. Australia have won the championship with 39 points while India finished a close second with 37. England (32), South Africa (25) and Sri Lanka (22) are the other teams to have ensured direct berths to the World Cup. Bangladesh (21), West Indies (18), Pakistan (17) and Ireland (eight) will be joined in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier by Scotland and Thailand, the two other highest ranked teams as of October 31 2024. The details of the Qualifier will be announced in due course. There are two spots up for grabs through the Qualifier.