West Indies Dominate Bangladesh to Strengthen Semi-Final Hopes

In a crucial Group B match of the Women’s T20 World Cup, West Indies cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh, boosting their chances of reaching the semi-finals. The West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews’ impressive 34 off 22 balls, easily chased down Bangladesh’s total of 104 in just 12.5 overs, effectively eliminating Bangladesh from the tournament.

Earlier, West Indies spinner Karishma Ramharack had played a pivotal role with the ball, taking 4-17 and sparking a dramatic collapse from Bangladesh, who crumbled from 73-2 to 103-8. This victory not only improved West Indies’ net run rate but also moved them to the top of Group B, tied with South Africa and England, though the latter still has a game in hand.

If West Indies can secure a win against England in their final group stage match on Tuesday, they will be in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals. Bangladesh, on the other hand, must defeat South Africa by a significant margin in their final game on Saturday and hope other results work in their favour to have any chance of progressing.

West Indies, having won the toss, applied pressure on Bangladesh, who struggled to score against the spinners. In contrast, the West Indies' batting innings was much more aggressive, racing to 48-0 by the end of the powerplay. Although Marufa Akter dismissed Matthews in the eighth over, West Indies were already halfway to their target.

Stafanie Taylor was dropped on 23 but retired hurt after reaching 27 from 29 balls due to a leg injury. Shemaine Campbelle contributed a quickfire 21 from 16 balls, and Deandra Dottin sealed the win with a towering six over long-on.

After an opening loss to South Africa, West Indies have now won two consecutive matches, while Bangladesh, who began the tournament with a win over Scotland, have suffered back-to-back defeats.