West Indies Women Crush Bangladesh, Surge to Top of Group B in T20 World Cup
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| West Indies openers Hayley Matthews and Stefanie Taylor put on a brisk 52-run partnership. / Getty |
The West Indies Women delivered a resounding performance in the Women's T20 World Cup, securing a comfortable 8-wicket victory over Bangladesh with 43 balls to spare. Powered by an explosive finish from Deandra Dottin, the 2016 champions sent a clear message to their rivals that they are serious contenders for the title.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Women in Maroon restricted Bangladesh to a modest 103/8 in their 20 overs. Off-spinner Karishma Ramharack was the star with the ball, registering outstanding figures of 4/17 from her four overs, dismantling the Bangladesh middle order. Afy Fletcher contributed with two wickets, while skipper Hayley Matthews also chipped in with one, as Bangladesh struggled to get any momentum.
In response, West Indies got off to a flying start in the chase of 104. Openers Hayley Matthews and Stefanie Taylor attacked early, racing to 48 runs in the powerplay. The duo added 52 for the opening stand before Bangladesh's Marufa Akter provided the breakthrough, bowling Matthews for 23 with a sharp in-swinger.
Stefanie Taylor, who was visibly hobbling during her innings, retired hurt after scoring a solid 27 off 29 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle kept the momentum going with a brisk 21 off 16 balls, but it was Deandra Dottin who stole the show at the end.
The "World Boss" finished the match in style, smashing two sixes in the 13th over to bring up the win in emphatic fashion. Her quickfire 19 off 7 deliveries was the perfect exclamation point to the dominant performance.
With this win, the West Indies have moved to the top of the Group B standings, significantly boosting their net run rate. As they prepare for their final group-stage game, the West Indies Women will have the advantage of knowing exactly what they need to do to secure a place in the semi-finals.
On the other hand, this defeat has all but ended Bangladesh’s hopes of making it to the knockout stage. The Tigers will look to salvage some pride in their remaining fixture, but their chances of advancing are now minimal.
The West Indies are clearly back in form, and as the tournament heats up, they have made their presence felt. All eyes will be on their final group match as they aim to clinch a spot in the semis and continue their quest for a second T20 World Cup title.
West Indies Women win by 8 wickets (with 43 balls remaining)
Bangladesh Women: 103/8 (20 overs)
- Nigar Sultana 39 (44), Dilara Akter 19 (18)
- Karishma Ramharack 4/17, Afy Fletcher 2/25
West Indies Women: 104/2 (12.5 overs)
- Hayley Matthews 34 (22), Stafanie Taylor 27* (29), Deandra Dottin 19* (7)
- Marufa Akter 1/20, Nahida Akter 1/22
Player of the Match: Karishma Ramharack 4/17