The third ODI between West Indies Women and Bangladesh Women unfolded as a clinical performance from the hosts, who secured a dominant 8-wicket win to clinch the series 2-1 and stop Bangladesh from securing a direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Held at Warner Park, St. Kitts, the match showcased the strength and discipline of the West Indies squad, both with the ball and the bat. Bangladesh, having elected to bat first, struggled against a well-coordinated bowling attack, while West Indies’ chase was marked by composure and control. This decisive victory highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, further boosting their standing as a formidable unit in women’s cricket.
Match Summary: Bangladesh Struggle Against Dominant West Indies Bowling
Bangladesh Women, opting to bat after winning the toss, faced a tough time against the disciplined West Indies bowlers. The visitors were bowled out for a mere 118 runs in 43.5 overs, unable to gain any momentum throughout their innings. Sharmin Akhter (37 off 58 balls) and Sobhana Mostary (25 off 62 balls) were the only players to show resistance with the bat. However, the rest of the lineup faltered under the relentless pressure, with seven batters failing to reach double digits.
Karishma Ramharack was the standout performer for West Indies, delivering a phenomenal spell of 4 wickets for just 12 runs in 6.5 overs. Her precision and ability to exploit conditions dismantled Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. Zaida James (2/15) and Hayley Matthews (1/19 from 10 overs) also played pivotal roles, ensuring Bangladesh could not recover from their early setbacks.
West Indies Women vs Bangladesh Women 3rd ODI: Clinical Chase by the Hosts
Chasing a modest target of 119, West Indies Women made sure there were no hiccups along the way. The opening pair of Hayley Matthews (22 off 33) and Qiana Joseph (39 off 66) provided a steady foundation, keeping the scoreboard ticking with calculated aggression.
After the fall of the openers, Deandra Dottin took charge, smashing an unbeaten 33 off just 19 balls. Her innings, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes, showcased her trademark power-hitting and sealed the match in style. West Indies completed the chase in just 27.3 overs, with Shemaine Campbelle contributing a composed 25* to ensure there was no pressure in the middle overs.
For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter (1/39) and Nahida Akter (1/25) picked up a wicket each but failed to contain the confident West Indies lineup.
Karishma Ramharack: Player of the Match
Karishma Ramharack’s match-winning spell was the cornerstone of West Indies’ success. Her ability to maintain impeccable line and length, combined with sharp turn, left Bangladesh’s batters searching for answers. Ramharack’s contribution not only restricted the opposition to a paltry total but also set the tone for the rest of the team to deliver a comprehensive performance.
Takeaways from the Series
- West Indies’ Bowling Depth: The series highlighted the depth and versatility in the West Indies bowling unit. Players like Karishma Ramharack and Zaida James stepped up consistently, providing crucial breakthroughs.
- Bangladesh’s Batting Woes: Despite flashes of brilliance from Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary, Bangladesh’s batting lineup lacked consistency and struggled under pressure.
- Deandra Dottin’s Explosiveness: Dottin once again proved why she is one of the most feared batters in women’s cricket with her finishing prowess.
Looking Ahead
The West Indies Women vs Bangladesh Women 3rd ODI served as a reminder of the importance of consistency in cricket. With this victory, West Indies take home not just the series win but also valuable momentum heading into upcoming fixtures. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their weaknesses, particularly in the batting department, as they prepare for the T20 leg of the series.
This match, and the series as a whole, underscored the growth and competitiveness of women’s cricket, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the near future.