West Indies secured a resounding victory over Bangladesh in their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 encounter, bolstering their net run-rate and reaffirming their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders. Karishma Ramharack was the standout player, delivering a stunning bowling performance that earned her the Player of the Match award. Her spell of 4 wickets for just 17 runs played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh to a modest total, setting the stage for West Indies’ comprehensive 8-wicket win.
Ramharack’s precise and disciplined bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup in the middle overs, removing key players such as Sobhana Mostary and Akter. This collapse from Bangladesh, which had started relatively strong at 71/2 after 12 overs, left them floundering as they finished with a subpar score. Ramharack’s clinical approach, coupled with support from Afy Fletcher and Hayley Matthews, ensured that Bangladesh’s batting never recovered. Matthews also contributed with her leadership and a crucial wicket, cementing West Indies’ dominance.
Bangladesh’s captain, Nigar Sultana, acknowledged the strong start her team had but admitted that they faltered in the middle overs, succumbing to West Indies’ tight bowling. Despite the early partnership, the Bangladesh team lost momentum, playing too many dot balls and struggling to regain control against a potent West Indies bowling attack. Sultana remained hopeful that her team would learn from this experience, as they aimed to finish their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
In reply, West Indies wasted no time in their chase. Their batters, led by Hayley Matthews, displayed aggression right from the start, conscious of the need to boost their net run-rate for potential semifinal qualification. The Caribbean side reached their target with 43 balls to spare, cruising to victory in just 12.5 overs. This emphatic win not only secured the top spot in Group B for West Indies but also enhanced their chances of advancing to the knockout stage with a healthy run-rate advantage.
Matthews praised Ramharack’s performance in the post-match presentation, noting her ability to execute the game plan perfectly. The captain highlighted how crucial Ramharack’s experience and execution were to the team’s overall strategy. Ramharack’s knack for bowling according to the field and maintaining pressure on Bangladesh’s batters showcased her value to the team, especially in a tournament setting where every game is critical.
For Bangladesh, the defeat marked yet another missed opportunity in the tournament, as they struggled to capitalize on promising starts. Their captain expressed optimism, focusing on the positives and hoping for a strong finish in their remaining games. Although Bangladesh’s journey in the tournament has been challenging, the experience gained by the younger players in such high-pressure matches could serve as a valuable learning curve for future competitions.
This win sets up West Indies for a thrilling finish to the group stage, as they prepare to face tougher opponents. With their net run-rate significantly boosted and a confident performance with both bat and ball, the team looks poised to continue their strong run in the tournament.