Karishma Ramharack’s brilliant four-wicket haul and Hayley Matthews’ rapid 34 led West Indies to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah. West Indies chased down Bangladesh’s modest target of 104 in just 12.5 overs, securing their second win in three matches. With this win, they moved to the top of Group B, joining South Africa and England with four points each. England, however, has played only two matches, leaving three teams competing for the two semi-final spots.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in three games, which severely hurt their chances of advancing to the semi-finals. Their batting woes continued as they lost six wickets for just 27 runs after being sent in to bat.
Ramharack Dominates with the Ball
West Indies utilized seven bowlers, but it was Ramharack who stole the show. She claimed a wicket in each of her four overs, striking in key moments. In her first over, opener Shathi Rani attempted a sweep but missed, leading to a quick stumping by Shemaine Campbelle. Her second victim was Dilara Akter, who tried to sweep but exposed her middle stump, getting bowled.
When Ramharack returned in the 13th over, she kept the ball outside off, tempting Sobhana Mostary to come down the track. Mostary was stumped, ending a 40-run partnership with Nigar Sultana. Later, during the death overs, Ramharack dismissed Ritu Moni, who mistimed a lofted shot to deep midwicket. Chinelle Henry took a great running catch, sealing Ramharack’s superb figures of 4 for 17.
Nigar Sultana Struggles to Accelerate
Bangladesh started aggressively, with their openers trying to attack early. Nigar Sultana kept up the momentum, particularly targeting legspinner Afy Fletcher, hitting three boundaries in one over. She quickly raced to 20 off 17 balls.
However, after Mostary’s dismissal in the 13th over, Nigar slowed down. West Indies’ fielding was sloppy, but Nigar couldn’t capitalize. She crawled to 39 off 44 balls, failing to find the boundary in her final 17 deliveries. She was eventually dismissed by Matthews in the last over, trying to clear deep midwicket.
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West Indies faced little resistance in their chase. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled with their lengths, allowing the West Indies batters to settle in. Matthews, in particular, punished the shorter deliveries. After a cautious start, she opened up by piercing the cover region with backfoot punches, especially targeting Nahida Akter’s left-arm spin.
Matthews continued to dominate, smashing boundaries off Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter. By the time Marufa bowled her in the eighth over for a 22-ball 34, West Indies only needed 49 runs from 72 balls. Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin comfortably finished the job. Taylor, though, had to retire hurt, but Dottin blasted 19 off just seven balls to seal the win.
West Indies’ dominant performance keeps them in a strong position as they aim for a semi-final spot. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s batting failures leave them struggling in the competition.
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