Bangladesh’s hopes of a direct qualification to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup suffered a major blow on Saturday as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against an in-form Pakistan side.

With this loss, the Tigresses’ qualification chances now hinge on the outcome of the final group-stage fixture between West Indies and Thailand.

Set a modest target of 179, Pakistan cruised to victory with 62 balls to spare, thanks to a composed 69 from Player of the Match Muneeba Ali and an unbeaten 52 from Aliya Riaz.

Despite an early breakthrough from Marufa Akter, Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batters on a placid Sylhet pitch.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s top order faltered again after opting to bat first.

Farzana Hoque fell without scoring, while skipper Nigar Sultana managed just one. At 21 for 3, the innings was in disarray before Ritu Moni (48) and Fahima Khatun (44*) staged a recovery. The pair's efforts helped Bangladesh post a fighting total of 178 for 9, but it proved insufficient against a well-drilled Pakistani side.

Pakistan’s spinners dominated proceedings, with Sadia Iqbal claiming 3 for 28 and Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and Fatima Sana sharing the remaining wickets.

Bangladesh now sit second on the points table with six points from five matches, but their net run rate of 0.639 makes them vulnerable.

If West Indies defeat Thailand with a significantly large margin in their final match, they could leapfrog Bangladesh on net run rate and snatch the second qualifying spot behind unbeaten Pakistan.

West Indies, who currently sit fourth with four points and a net run rate of -0.283, will need to not only win but win big to close the gap. Thailand, winless in the tournament so far, will have the final say in Bangladesh’s fate.

As the Tigresses turn spectators, all eyes now shift to the West Indies–Thailand encounter. A dominant Caribbean performance will shut the door on Bangladesh's World Cup dreams, ending what had started as a promising campaign on a heartbreaking note