The 2011 Women's World Cup Qualifier will feature 10 teams and be played at four venues in Dhaka, the ICC has said. The tournament is scheduled between November 14 and 25.

The four venues will be the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, Narayanganj Osmani Stadium, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (Bangladesh Institute of Sports) 1 and BKSP 2. Hosts Bangladesh will be joined by South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, USA, West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Japan to battle it out for the four remaining spots at the 2013 Women's World Cup in India. England, Australia, India and New Zealand already qualified for the event because they were the top four teams in the 2009 Women's World Cup.

The teams for the qualifiers will be split into two groups. Bangladesh play Pakistan in the first game of the tournament on November 14 at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Group A
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, USA

Group B
West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland, Japan, Bangladesh

In a hard-fought and generally low-scoring Twenty20 competition on the European Women’s Championship opening day all three teams finished with a win and a defeat, but it was the Dutch hosts who came out on top on net run rate, thanks to a comfortable victory over Scotland.

Scotland had caused an initial upset by beating Ireland in the first game of the day, after Irish skipper Isobel Joyce had elected to bat after winning the toss. Ireland’s batters found the conditions difficult against a steady Scottish attack, and battled their way to 72 before they were dismissed in exactly 18 overs, only Joyce herself, with an enterprising 28-ball 29, gaining any real measure of control. Keeper Mary Waldron (16) was the only other Irishwoman to reach double figures, while Kari Anderson with three for 20 was the most successful of the Scottish bowlers. There were two wickets apiece for Kathryn White, Leigh Kasperek (whose four overs cost just six runs) and Lois Wilkinson.

Scotland found scoring equally difficult, with Kim Garth taking 1 for 4 for Ireland in her four overs and Amy Kenealy claiming two for 12. White top-scored with 23, but when she became Joyce’s third victim (for just 7 runs) the Scots faced an uphill battle.

Nine were still needed from the last two overs, but Fiona Urquhart took some of the pressure off with some calculated strokeplay, and in the end Scotland managed to take the winning single off the very last ball of the game, with two wickets in hand.

Ireland 72, 18 overs (I Joyce 29; K Anderson 3-20)
Scotland 73-8, 20 overs (I Joyce 3-7)
Scotland won by two wickets

The Netherlands became the only side to pass the hundred mark in the second match, Esther Lanser’s 35-ball 32 enabling them to reach 104 for 9 from their 20 overs. White, Anderson and Wilkinson claimed two more wickets each, but the batting quickly crumbled against the Dutch bowlers. It was the running between the wickets which was the real root of the Scots’ problems, however, and the Dutch fielders took full advantage, producing no fewer than five run-outs as Scotland were all out for 49 in 16.2 overs.

Two direct hits by Helmien Rambaldo removed openers Dianne Pedgrift and Catherine Smaill, and with Lanser, Laura Brouwers and Jolet Hartenhof making scoring difficult – Hartenhof having the remarkable figures of one for 1 from two overs – the running became increasingly desperate. Rambaldo took two for 13 from three overs of spin as Scotland subsided to a 55-run defeat.

Netherlands 104-9, 20 overs (E Lanser 32)
Scotland 49, 16.2 overs
Netherlands won by 55 runs

That set up the final match between Ireland and the hosts, and Rambaldo again elected to bat on winning the toss. But Ireland’s attack was much more effective this time, restricting the Netherlands to 89 for 8, Rambaldo herself leading the way with 31 from 40 deliveries. Thirteen-year-old leg spinner Elena Tice showed great promise in taking 3 for 22, and by removing both Rambaldo and Violet Wattenberg, who had put on 31 for the third wicket, she gave her side a great chance.

Garth (22) and Joyce (33) then seized the initiative with a 51-run opening stand – the only half-century partnership of the day – but once they were both run out the run rate slowed, and once again the chase extended into the final over. With plenty of wickets in hand, however, Laura Delany and Kenealy were able to pace their chase fairly comfortably, and the Dutch fielders were unable to stem the flow of runs which eventually saw Ireland home with two balls to spare.

Netherlands 89-8, 20 overs (H Rambaldo 31; E Tice 3-22)
Ireland 90-3, 19.4 overs (I Joyce 33, L Delany 17*, A Kenealy 11*)
Ireland won by 7 wickets

But with two very close finishes Ireland’s net run rate was unable to compete with the Netherlands’, and it was the home side which took the honours, with the Irish second and Scotland, despite their opening win over Ireland, having to settle for third place.

After four consecutive days of hot weather, the sky opened up and consistent rain greeted the players as Japan and Papua New Guinea took the field for the East Asia-Pacific Women's Trophy final. Japan captain Ema Kuribayashi won her fourth toss in a row, electing to bat first against an experienced PNG line-up.

Japan found the conditions difficult at the start, and coupled with an outstanding spell of bowling from PNG opening bowlers Pauke Siaka and Tanya Ruma, found themselves at 36-1 after 20 overs when play was stopped due to rain.

Play resumed briefly after the first rain delay, but the skies opened again soon after leaving Japan only 42 overs to bat. Ema Kuribayashi (21) was run out soon after the resumption of play, bringing the reliable Katrina Keenan to the crease, however when partner Kurumi was dismissed without scoring, Japan were struggling at 53-4.

Keenan began patiently, pushing singles and running well between wickets, before unleashing an almighty attack on all bowlers towards the end of the innings that included five boundaries and two enormous sixes.

Keenan was finally dismissed for a spectacular 60, and Japan was able to post a respectable 125-5 at the end of its 42 overs. After Duckworth-Lewis calculations, PNG was given a target of 132 to win from its 42 overs, a total made all the more difficult due to the unfriendly conditions.

However, PNG openers Mabel Ipi and Norma Ovasuru started particularly well, edging to 42 without loss before Ovasuru was dismissed leg before to Ema Kuribayashi. While the score was continuing to tick along, wickets were falling at regular intervals, and when PNG captain Ura Rigana was caught for 12 off the bowling of Ayako Nakayama, PNG was reduced to 68-4.

Boni David (15) and opener Mabel Ipi continued to score consistently, however when Ipi was caught leg before wicket off the bowling of Kuribayashi, the game was in the balance.

With Japan operating spinners from both ends, PNG was finding it difficult to force the pace, and the runs began to dry up.
Kuribayashi bowled an outstanding spell, supported well by young legspinner Ayako Nakayama, and the two combined to choke PNG to 123-9, requiring nine to win from the final Kuribayashi over.

Number 11 Nao Kone hit the second ball high and deep into the outfield, where one of Japan's best fielders, Mariko Yamamoto, was waiting to accept the catch, giving them victory by nine runs.

Keenan was adjudged Player of the tournament. Japan will now progress to the ICC Women's World Cup ualifier, while Papua New Guinea and Samoa will have to wait until the 2012 East Asia Pacific regional tournament.

Team of the Tournament: Ema Kuribayashi (Japan), Norma Ovasuru (PNG), Mariko Yamamoto (Japan), Melinda Hodgson (Samoa), Katrina Keenan (Japan), Ura Rigana (PNG), Lily Mulivai (Samoa), Varoi Morea (PNG), Pauke Siaka (PNG), Ayako Nakayama (Japan), Tanya Ruma (PNG), Regina Lilii (Samoa)

In what must be one of the most enjoyable developments in cricket outside the top flight, a fortnight ago an exhibition match took place between the Uganda Cricket Association chairman Dr Kato Sebbaale's XI and a touring Cricket Without Boundaries side, the Nomads, in which the principal seam bowler in both innings was a woman.

"Look, McKenzie's bowling," went the cry, and my thoughts turned to memories of Neil McKenzie of Australia coming in and giving it real bite. But no, this McKenzie is a she and she had the new ball in her hand. She bowled four-off and, quite unfazed, bagged the first wicket.
Another young colleague, a lively fielder, was playing on the same side, and when the Nomads came in to bat they too had a female quickie to cope with.

So far it is next door in Kenya that women's cricket has taken a sharp stride forwards with the bringing in of a ladies' team into the men's league structure, albeit with their [male] coach turning out for them. They struggle a bit, but it is doing them oodles of good.

In Uganda, that stage has not yet been reached, but it is being thought about. After several years of lording it over their East African neighbours, the Ugandan ladies caught a cold in December when they lost to the Kenyans in a women's tournament in Nairobi.

But expect this lot to bounce back. They have a busy programme including a girls' school cricket week, an East African women's contest in Kenya and a girls' Under-19 Africa regional tournament at home before they plan to seize the moment in the Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Kenya in December.

Exhausted after doing several laps of the Lugogo Oval before heading off for a net, middle-order batsman Olivia Nalwanga, 23, said: "We train really hard, almost every day. I didn't play in the Nomads game but it was thrilling to see how well McKenzie and the others got on. Despite last December's setback, we're on a roll and we'll soon be back on top in the region. Ebony [Rainsford-Brent], I read your blog on the BBC. Watch out, we're after you!"

Her sentiments sum up the determined attitude of the whole side, which is coached by veteran player Frank Nsubuga. She adds: "Look out, we've got a team worth playing for."

And so, one may ask, who'll be putting a bet on the ladies of Uganda when the next Women's World Cup comes round? I know of at least one person who has done so already.
Colin Macbeth

The Moce Islanders have won the inaugural National Women’s Cricket Championship despite a slight hiccup on the final day.

Moce lost their final game against Suva Flying Angels but still managed to lead the points tally at the end of the week long tournament. The game was a nail biter with Suva winning the toss and electing to bat first. Sera Kaukiono (17) and Luanne Rika (17) opened the batting and got Suva off to a good start before Kaukiono smashed a ball to square leg only to see the fielder hold the hottest of chances. Iva Volavola (16) batted patiently in the middle order to help steer her team to a competitive total of 103. Mereia Tilau was the pick of the Moce bowlers taking 5 for 21 while Ana Maidela also chipped in with three wickets.

The win looked all but assured for Suva as they raced through the top order to leave Moce struggling at 39 for 8, but the Islanders were not done yet. Miriam Talatoka was part of two partnerships that each put on 30 to bring Moce within striking distance of victory. However, when Luanne Rika bowled Talatoka for 28 the Moce innings was finished just four runs short of their target.

Despite the loss, Moce finished ahead of Suva thanks to their extra bonus points accrued during the tournament, ensuring they would take the first National Women’s Championship back to the Lau Islands.

At the Army Barracks Ground, Nadi Jetsetters recorded their second win of the tournament by outclassing Veimataqali on the final day.After winning the toss and electing to bat the runs were shared equally among the batsmen as they amassed an impressive 206. Makalesi Mada top scored with 24 while opener Makerita Tuidraki set the basis for the innings with 23. Ana Topati and Talei Soko each claimed three wickets for Veimataqali.

The Veimataqali bats never really got going in the run chase as they were dismissed for 35, giving the Jetsetters a 171-run victory. Mareta Vuadrea was the best of the Nadi bowlers taking 6 for 13 from her seven overs. The win pushed Nadi to eight points, level with Suva but the Jetsetters finished ahead of the Angles on net run rate.

Tony Munro

Argentina Women comfortably beat their Brazilian counterparts in a three-match Twenty20 series in Buenos Aires.

The considerably more experienced Argentinian squad won both the first day’s matches comfortably enough and made sure of the trophy, but the Brazilians showed in their enthusiasm and desire to learn that it would not be long before they were able to compete with the other Associates’ and Affiliates’ women’s sides in the region.

The visit returns one made by Argentina to Brasilia in 2007, soon after the formation of the Brazilian women’s team.

International umpire Karran Bayney, who had been officiating in the World Cricket League Division 3 tournament, said after the matches that he was impressed both by the spirit in which the games had been played and the improvement in the visitors’ performance as the day went on.

Rod Lyall has the full report at CricketEurope.

Argentina cruised to a seven-wicket win over Brazil with eight overs to spare in a women’s Twenty20 international in Buenos Aires.

Brazil were restricted to 76 for 9, with 17 wides the biggest contributor to their score. Brazil made things hard for themselves with five of their top six falling to run-outs.

Argentina were never in trouble, but Brazil’s bowlers were as they shipped 28 wides, Reinehr leading the way with eight in one ten-ball period.

Uganda retained their East African Women's Championship title with a ten-run win over hosts Kenya in the final, but it was a tournament that raised major questions regarding the standard of those competing.

Click here for more

Uganda and Kenya, as expected, emerged as the favourites after convincing wins in the first two rounds of the Africa Cricket Association women’s tournament in Nairobi.

Kenya recorded the most comprehensive victory, thrashing Rwanda by 330 runs. Kenya rattled up 397 for 3 with Sara Batika smashing an 187 not out and sharing an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 260 with Emily Ruto (74*). In reply, Rwanda managed 67 as Margret Banja took 4 for 17.

Uganda beat Tanzania by seven-wickets at Ngara Sports Club Oval in Nairobi, bowling their neighbours out for 61, and earlier added to Rwanda’s gloom by beating them by 276 runs.

Eleven women from three ICC Americas Associate countries - Argentina, Bermuda and Canada – were joined by four players invited from Trinidad and Tobago at the first women’s regional cricket camp in the Americas. The ten-day camp was headed by a coaching staff of three former West Indies women's internationals: Ann Browne-John, Stephanie Power and Jasmine Sammy.

ICC Americas Regional Development Manager, Martin Vieira, visited the camp in Trinidad and said: “I am delighted when a project is planned, implemented and progressed as successfully as this. All involved, officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board at the complex, coaches and managers, and the players, have agreed it was a huge success."

In addition to daily drills and educational sessions in several areas, the group played as an Americas X1 in three games versus local competition. The management and coaching staff were amazed at how quickly the girls gelled as a team and the vast improvement in their skills over the ten-day period.

The Canadian contingent comprised Joanna White and Meara Crawford from British Columbia, plus Ontario’s Monali Patel and Mona Persaud. All four Canadians had visited Trinidad and Tobago in April in the first ever overseas tour by the women’s national squad. The Trinidad & Tobago Women’s Cricket Board had helped organize and partly fund that tour.

Argentina was represented by Catalina Greloni, Cecilia Birnie, Deifina Canton and Veronica Vasquez, and the three Bermudian playing participants were Rickelle Smith, Shuntae Todd and Stacey Babb (Bermuda).

Canada’s women finished their tour of Trinidad & Tobago with a third heavy defeat, losing by eight wickets to the Under-21 side in a match reduced by rain to 35 overs a side. Canada managed 98 for 8 and in reply the U-21s cruised home with 15.3 overs to spare.

The Trinidad & Tobago Development XI thrashed Canada's women by 151 runs at the National Cricket Centre. The home side eased to 203 for 7, with Amanda Samaroo (60) and Jerveena Pollocksingh (49) leading the way. Canada were as good as down and out as they limped to 6 for 4, and although they extended their innings to the 33rd over they only scraped 52.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Under-21 women’s side thumped the Canada national side by 144 runs at the University of the West Indies. A half century from Sharda Basrop helped Trinidad & Tobago to 215 for 9 in their 50 overs, Vadeo Sproxton took 5 for 29 in six overs, although her colleague were not nearly as disciplined as they shipped 40 wides. In reply, Canada limped to 71 in 34.2 overs, with only Monali Patel (12) reaching double figures.

Bangladesh Women recorded a clean 4-0 sweep of Hong Kong who crashed to another humiliating defeat in Mirpur. Bangladesh have completely outplayed Hong Kong all series and their 211 for 9 was always going to be more than sufficient, even if they did lose their last five wickets for 36. Salma Khatun top-scored with 63. Hong Kong got off to a reasonably competent start, with their captain – the New Zealand-born Neisha Pratt – again standing out with 61. That was Hong Kong’s only peak, however: the next highest scores were 14 and 6 while the rest – including Nos. 5-11 - all registered ducks. The match was wrapped up in the 41st over with Jahanara Alam, bowling her first over, removing the last three to claim a hat-trick and dismiss Hong Kong for 96.

Match scorecard

	Salma Khatun and Panna Ghosh take a run during their 156-run stand © tigercricket.com

Bangladesh’s women comfortably won the second of four ODIs against Hong Kong, and although the margin of victory - 109 runs – was large, Hong Kong put up a better display that they had in the first game.

Bangladesh’s top order did little but a fourth-wicket stand of 156 between Panna Ghosh and Salma Khutan guided them to 249 for 5, always enough against a side who had been bowled out for 38 three days earlier.

Hong Kong started well, Connie Wong and Keenu Gill putting on 89 for the first wicket but once Gill had gone for 62 the innings disintegrated and the last eight wickets added only 41.

Click here for the full scorecard

The Bermuda Cricket Board are holding trials for Bermuda's first women's Under-16 and Under-12 squads this Sunday. The teams will train regularly under the guidance of qualified coaches and compete in the BCB youth leagues.

The programme for the day has been designed by Gus Logie, the national coach, and Bermuda's Cricket Development Director, Arnold Manders.

Trials will take place at Berkeley Institute Field. The Under-12s will try out from 10am - 12pm and the Under-16s from 1-3pm.