AMSTERDAM: Eight cricketing nations from across the globe will be aspiring to give their best shot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) women's world T20 qualifier here at Kampong Cricket Club and VRA Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Two finalists from the tournament will join Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and host West Indies in the ICC Women's World T20, 2018.
Bangladesh and Ireland are ranked ninth and tenth respectively on the ICC women's team rankings and pose a huge challenge to other teams in the eight-team tournament.
Bangladesh are in Group A, which also comprises the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates, while Ireland are in Group B along with Scotland, Thailand and Uganda.
Bangladesh coach Anju Jain said that she is impressed with her team's preparations and admitted that all the other participating nations are also very talented.
"I have been pretty impressed with the potential and talent of the Bangladesh team. I have only been here for the past two months and in that time the girls have been doing really well, credit goes to the players for the way they have responded." Jain said.
"Our main focus has been converting potential to performance, as a team we need to look to keep on improving and make sure we qualify for the ICC Women's WT20 in the West Indies," she added.
Ireland coach Aaron Hamilton feels the team has planned well and it is now time to show their mettle.
"As the head coach, I'm looking for the players to execute our game plans and play with freedom and confidence. We have a highly talented squad, and if we play as I know we can, we will make a major impact at this tournament. No game will be easy, but the planning is over and it is now time to deliver," Hamilton said.
ICC women's world T20 is slated to be held from November 9 to 24.