Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team made history on Tuesday with a commanding 60-run victory over West Indies in the second ODI in Basseterre. This win marked their first triumph against West Indies in any format, leveling the three-match series 1-1 and keeping their hopes for direct qualification to the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup alive.
Bangladesh Women vs West Indies Women Match Overview
Bangladesh’s Innings: Nigar Sultana Anchors the Batting
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted 184 runs in 48.5 overs, with captain Nigar Sultana leading the charge. Her patient knock of 68 runs off 120 deliveries, including five boundaries, laid the foundation for her team. She built a vital 51-run partnership with Sobhana Mostary (23) for the fourth wicket, helping stabilize the innings after early setbacks.
West Indies bowlers, led by offspinner Karishma Ramharack, who claimed a career-best 4 for 33, and pacer Aaliyah Alleyne, who took 3 for 24, kept Bangladesh in check. Despite these efforts, Nigar’s resilience ensured Bangladesh reached a defendable total.
West Indies’ Chase: Nahida Akter Stars with the Ball
Defending a modest total, Bangladesh’s bowlers produced a clinical performance. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter emerged as the standout, claiming 3 for 31 from her 10 overs. Her wickets included two key dismissals from West Indies’ top three, setting the tone for the defense.
Supporting Nahida, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Fahima Khatun chipped in with two wickets apiece. West Indies’ batting lineup faltered under pressure, collapsing to 124 all out in just 35 overs. Shemaine Campbelle top-scored with 28, but big hitters like Hayley Matthews (16) and Deandra Dottin (2) failed to deliver.
Implications for the ICC Women’s Championship
This win propels Bangladesh Women Cricket Team to seventh place on the ICC Women’s Championship table with 21 points, tying with sixth-placed New Zealand. A victory or a no-result in the third and final ODI on Friday would secure Bangladesh’s direct qualification for their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
West Indies, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. Currently ninth in the standings with 16 points, they are out of contention for direct qualification. Their path now leads to the World Cup qualifiers, where they will compete for one of the remaining two spots in the tournament.
Captain Nigar Sultana’s Reflections
Following the victory, Nigar Sultana emphasized the team’s resilience after their heavy nine-wicket defeat in the first ODI.
“I think it was great to see how we bounced back in such a short turnaround time, especially after the nine-wicket defeat,” Nigar said. “We definitely wanted this momentum. Of course, the two points are priceless, but we also want to achieve a series win by winning the next game. We haven’t won an overseas series before.”
She credited the collective team effort for the win while reflecting on her personal contribution. “I took a long time to settle down in the middle, played out a lot of deliveries, but the runs turned out to be important. I am really happy to contribute to the team’s cause,” she added.
Looking Ahead
The stage is now set for a decisive third ODI. Bangladesh will aim to make history by securing a series win, while West Indies will seek to salvage pride and avoid a home series defeat.
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Conclusion
Bangladesh women cricket team’s spirited performance, led by Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter, has brought them closer to a historic World Cup qualification. With momentum on their side, the final ODI promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams battle for supremacy in this pivotal series.
