The West Indies women’s cricket team crushed Bangladesh by eight wickets in a commanding performance at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. This comprehensive victory not only secured two crucial points for the West Indies but also gave their net run rate (NRR) a significant boost, enhancing their chances for a semi-final berth.
Bangladesh, who batted first, managed to post a modest total of 103/8 in their 20 overs. The standout performer for Bangladesh was their captain, Nigar Sultana Joty, who top-scored with 39 runs from 44 balls, including four boundaries. Joty’s knock helped stabilize the innings after early wickets, but Bangladesh struggled to maintain any real momentum. A notable achievement for Joty during the game was becoming the first Bangladeshi woman to surpass 2000 runs in T20 internationals, marking a significant milestone in her career.
However, the West Indies bowlers, led by Karishma Ramharack, applied relentless pressure to keep the Bangladeshi batters in check. Ramharack delivered an outstanding spell, finishing with figures of 4/17 in her four overs, and was instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to a sub-par score. She was well supported by Afy Fletcher, who took two crucial wickets, and captain Hayley Matthews, who also chipped in with a wicket.
Chasing 104 for victory, the West Indies made the run chase look easy. The opening pair of Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews provided a solid foundation with a 52-run partnership for the first wicket. Taylor, a veteran of the game, contributed 27 off 29 balls before retiring hurt, having become only the second batter in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup to score 1000 runs, following in the footsteps of New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. Her innings laid the groundwork for a smooth chase.
Matthews, continuing her strong form in the tournament, added a quickfire 34 off just 22 balls before being dismissed by Marufa Akter. But by that point, the West Indies were well on their way to a comfortable victory. Shemaine Campbell and Deandra Dottin ensured there were no further hiccups. Dottin, in particular, finished the game in style with two towering sixes off Rabeya Khan to end the match in the 13th over, with 43 balls to spare.
This victory not only moved the West Indies to second in the points table but also provided a significant boost to their NRR, which now stands at +1.708. This could prove to be a vital factor in the tightly contested race for the semi-final spots. The win also placed them ahead of South Africa, whose NRR dropped to +1.527 after their recent games.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, remain fourth on the table and will need to win their final group-stage match against South Africa to keep their hopes of a semi-final spot alive. The loss to West Indies has put them in a tough position, as their NRR has suffered, and only a comprehensive victory against the Proteas can help them recover.
For West Indies, the contributions of experienced players like Taylor, Matthews, and Ramharack have been key throughout the tournament. The team has shown resilience and skill, making them one of the stronger contenders for a place in the knockout stages. With one more group match to play, they will be looking to carry this momentum forward and seal their place in the semis.
Overall, this win has given the West Indies not only a vital edge in the points table but also a significant psychological advantage as they move deeper into the tournament. Their comprehensive performance with both bat and ball will make them a team to watch in the remainder of the Women’s T20 World Cup.