IRELAND women must win their two remaining Group A matches to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup after a disappointing 14-run defeat by Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi last night.

The Bangladesh batters slipped the leash in the final three overs of their innings, piling on 39 runs, to post an imposing 143-4, as Eimear Richardson, skipper Laura Delany, Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly claimed a wicket each.

The Ireland reply suffered an early blow when star opener Gaby Lewis was bowled first ball and in-form Orla Prendergast soon followed, caught behind, to leave the Girls in Green reeling on 5-2.

Amy Hunter and Delany built a foundation for the chase with a third-wicket partnership of 45 before the former was run out for 33 from 32 balls and her skipper stumped for 28.

Richardson carried the fight with a lively 40 from 26 balls, including a six and four fours, but she received insufficient support and Ireland were bowled out for 129 in 19.4 overs.

With two to progress from the four-team group, Ireland now need to beat the USA today (MON) and Scotland on Wednesday to be sure of reaching a do-or-die World Cup qualifying semi-final on Friday, probably against Thailand.