A commanding performance by the West Indies in the ODIs, concluding with a 2-1 series win, means that Bangladesh will have to navigate the qualifiers to secure their place in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India this October. The focus now shifts to the three-match T20I series taking place at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts.
Nigar Sultana Joty’s unbeaten fifty propels the visitors to a respectable total
Bangladesh’s openers, Sobhana Mostary and wicketkeeper-batter Dilara Akter, established a steady foundation with a 19-run partnership after captain Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and chose to bat. West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthews broke through by dismissing Dilara Akter for the first wicket. Sharmin Akhter joined Sobhana Mostary, and together they added a vital 24 runs for the second wicket, bringing the team closer to 50 runs. Afy Fletcher then removed Sobhana Mostary (22 runs from 21 balls) to give the West Indies their second breakthrough.
The Bangladesh side ultimately posted a total of 144/3 in their allotted 20 overs, largely thanks to captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s quickfire unbeaten half-century (53* off 40 balls), edging them closer to the 150-run mark. This marks her ninth half-century in this format. However, they struggled to build momentum, despite a substantial 92-run partnership for the third wicket between Sharmin Akhter (37 runs from 41 balls) and Nigar Sultana Joty.
Deandra Dottin (4-0-13-0) maintained economical bowling figures, while Afy Fletcher (4-0-30-1), Cherry-Ann Fraser (3-0-23-1), and Hayley Matthews (4-0-36-1) took the wickets for the West Indies.
Fifties from Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin lead West Indies to series advantage
The West Indies openers, Qiana Joseph and captain Hayley Matthews, set the tone with an impressive 63-run opening partnership, scoring at approximately eight runs per over. Fahima Khatun made the breakthrough for Bangladesh by dismissing Qiana Joseph in the 9th over of the chase.
Ultimately, the home side reached their target with 8 wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare. Deandra Dottin (51* off 22 balls) and skipper Hayley Matthews (60* off 54 balls) powered the West Indies to victory with a strong 72-run partnership for the third wicket. Both players recorded their 16th and 14th half-centuries, respectively. Notably, Deandra Dottin’s half-century is the fastest by a West Indies player in this format, achieved in just 21 balls and featuring seven sixes.
Fahima Khatun (3-1-15-2) was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, while the visitors struggled in the field, failing to capitalize on several opportunities.
Deandra Dottin was named Player of the Match for her explosive 51* runs off 22 balls and her commendable bowling performance of 4 overs, 13 runs, and no wickets.
Image Source: Deandra Dottin @ Instagram
