Bangladesh women keep world cup qualification hopes alive
Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by 60 runs at Warner Park in St. Kitts.
The Bangladesh women's cricket team has levelled the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a crucial win in the second match, keeping their hopes of direct qualification for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup alive. With the series now tied, victory in the final match will secure a World Cup spot for Nigar Sultana's team, potentially relegating New Zealand to the qualifiers.
Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by 60 runs at Warner Park in St. Kitts last night. Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Bangladesh were all out for 184 in 48.5 overs. Despite a modest total, an impressive bowling effort bowled the West Indies out for just 124 runs in 35 overs.
Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter shone with figures of 3/30, while leg spinners Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun and pacer Marufa Akter each took two wickets.
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For Bangladesh's batting, captain Nigar Sultana led from the front with a crucial 68 off 120 balls, including five boundaries. Arriving at the crease when Bangladesh were 35/2 in the 11th over, Nigar anchored the innings and was dismissed in the 49th over, leaving the team at 184/9.
Aside from Nigar, Sobhana Mostary (23) and Swarna Akter (21) made noteworthy contributions. Nigar added 51 runs for the fourth wicket with Sobhana and 38 runs for the sixth wicket with Swarna. The innings also featured an opening partnership of over 30 runs between Murshida Khatun and Fargana Hoque.
The upcoming Women's ODI World Cup is set to take place in India from August to September. Hosts India and the top six teams in the ongoing Women's Championship points table will directly qualify for the tournament.
Following their second ODI victory, Bangladesh now have 21 points from 23 matches, the same as New Zealand, who have completed all their 24 matches. However, New Zealand are currently sixth due to a superior net run rate. A win or even a no-result in the final match will see Bangladesh surpass New Zealand and qualify directly for the World Cup.
However, if Bangladesh lose the final game, they will have another opportunity to qualify through a six-team qualifier. In that scenario, Bangladesh will compete against Pakistan, the West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand, with the top two teams advancing to the World Cup.
Score Summary:
Bangladesh: 184 all out in 48.5 overs (Nigar 68, Sobhana 23, Swarna 21, Fargana 18; Karishma 4/33, Aaliyah 3/24).
West Indies: 124 all out in 35 overs (Shemaine 28, Cherry-Ann 18, Hayley 16; Nahida 3/31, Fahima 2/17, Rabeya 2/19, Marufa 2/35).
Result: Bangladesh Women won by 60 runs.
Player of the Match: Nahida Akter.
