Bangladesh Women vs West Indies Women, 13th Match, Group B | ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024

The West Indies Women’s cricket team cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the 13th match of Group B at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Windies’ spinners, led by Karishma Ramharack, choked Bangladesh’s batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of 103/8 in 20 overs before chasing it down with ease, with 7.1 overs to spare.

Ramharack’s standout performance saw her claim 4 for 17, dismantling Bangladesh's middle order and ensuring that the Asian side never got the momentum they needed to post a defendable target.

Bangladesh Innings: Struggles Against Spin

Put into bat, Bangladesh started with positive intent but found themselves unsettled by the Windies’ disciplined bowling. Opener Dilara Akter (19) and Shathi Rani gave Bangladesh a brief glimpse of hope with some early boundaries, but the breakthrough came in the fourth over when Shathi Rani was stumped by Shemaine Campbelle off Ramharack’s bowling for 6, leaving Bangladesh at 18/1.

Ramharack struck again in the sixth over, dismissing Dilara Akter, which halted Bangladesh’s progress as they ended the powerplay at 33/2. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty played a resilient innings, smashing four boundaries in her knock of 39, but the Tigers’ innings lost steam after her departure in the final over.

Afy Fletcher further added to Bangladesh’s woes with figures of 2/25, including two wickets in two balls that left Bangladesh reeling. Despite some resistance from Sobhana Mostary (16), the team struggled to accelerate and ended at 103/8 after 20 overs.

West Indies Chase: Matthews and Taylor Shine

The West Indies openers started their chase confidently, with Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor putting on a solid 48-run partnership in the powerplay. Matthews, in particular, played fluently, scoring 34 off 22 balls before being bowled by Marufa Akter in the seventh over. However, by that point, the Windies were well ahead in the game.

Taylor, despite suffering from an injury sustained while fielding, fought valiantly, contributing 27 before retiring hurt. Deandra Dottin then stepped in and wasted no time finishing the job, smashing two towering sixes to seal the win for West Indies.

With the Windies reaching 104/2 in just 12.5 overs, they secured a comfortable victory, boosting their chances for the knockout stages.

Key Performances:

• Karishma Ramharack (4/17) was the star with the ball, dismantling Bangladesh's lineup and ensuring they never got going.
• Hayley Matthews (34 off 22) provided the perfect start for the chase, while Stafanie Taylor (27) and Deandra Dottin finished the job in style.
• Nigar Sultana Joty (39) was Bangladesh’s top scorer, but the lack of partnerships hampered their progress.

Scores in Brief:

Bangladesh: 103/8 in 20 overs
(Nigar Sultana 39, Dilara Akter 19; Karishma Ramharack 4/17, Afy Fletcher 2/25)

West Indies: 104/2 in 12.5 overs
(Hayley Matthews 34, Stafanie Taylor 27; Marufa Akter 1/20, Nahida Akter 1/22)

Result: West Indies won by 8 wickets.

The West Indies Women will now turn their attention to their next crucial fixture against England, while Bangladesh will seek to bounce back in their upcoming matches.