Ramharack’s Four-Fer and Matthews’ Blazing 34 Power West Indies to Dominant Win Over Bangladesh

In an authoritative display in Sharjah, the West Indies handed Bangladesh an eight-wicket defeat to secure their second win in three matches and move to the top of Group B in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Chasing a modest target of 104, the West Indies comfortably reached the target in 12.5 overs, with key contributions from Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin. 

On the bowling front, Karishma Ramharack’s brilliant 4 for 17 dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order, limiting them to a total of 103 for 8 in their 20 overs. West Indies now share the top spot with South Africa, and England, who are on four points as well but have played only two matches.

West Indies Women: 104 for 2 (Matthews 34, Marufa 1-20) 

Bangladesh Women: 103 for 8 (Nigar 39, Ramharack 4-17) 

West Indies beat Bangladesh by eight wickets

Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse

Sent into bat, Bangladesh started brightly but soon faced a dramatic collapse. Openers Shathi Rani and Sharmin Akhter made an aggressive start, attempting to take the game to the West Indies bowlers from the outset. However, both openers fell within the first six overs, leaving Bangladesh at 28 for 2 in the powerplay.

Nigar Sultana (39) attempted to rebuild the innings, striking three boundaries in quick succession off West Indies legspinner Afy Fletcher. However, once the partnership between Nigar and Sobhana Mostary (16) was broken in the 13th over, Bangladesh’s innings faltered. Ramharack’s brilliant off-spin continued to wreak havoc as she claimed four key wickets, including that of Mostary, who was stumped by Shemaine Campbelle. Ramharack’s control and variations stifled Bangladesh’s lower order, and her effort helped restrict the total to just 103 for 8. 

Despite a promising start, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order were unable to recover from the pressure imposed by the West Indies bowlers, with Nigar’s slowdown in the latter stages of her innings not helping their cause. She eventually fell to Matthews in the final over after trying to force the pace.

Matthews and Taylor Power West Indies to Victory

In reply, the West Indies were in no mood to dawdle. Hayley Matthews made full use of the Bangladesh bowlers’ short-pitched deliveries, punishing them with a series of boundaries. Matthews blasted 34 off 22 balls, including some delightful shots through the offside, to give the West Indies a strong start. 

Stafanie Taylor, who also played a crucial role in the chase, formed a 52-run partnership with Matthews for the opening wicket, showing great composure and shot-making. Matthews’ aggressive approach saw West Indies cruising towards the target, and even though she was bowled out by Marufa Akter in the eighth over, the damage was already done. At that stage, West Indies needed just 49 runs off 72 balls.

Taylor and Dottin saw the team home, with Dottin’s explosive 19 off 7 balls ensuring a comfortable win. Taylor retired hurt at the end of the chase after contributing a solid 27 off 29 balls. 

With this victory, the West Indies moved to the top of Group B alongside South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in three matches, with their chances of advancing to the semi-finals now hanging in the balance.