At Warner Park in St. Kitts, West Indies Women began their T20 International series against Bangladesh Women with a decisive win. Following their 2-1 victory in the ODI series, the Windies continued to dominate the shorter format, displaying their superiority over Bangladesh.
West Indies Women played a strong game and recovered from their previous defeat to win the final ODI match by 8 wickets, easily chasing down 118 to clinch the series 2-1.
Bangladesh Women were desperate to win the final ODI match against West Indies Women because that would have given them a direct qualification for the ICC World Cup. However, it wasn’t to be. The hosts swiftly maintained their dominance in T20 cricket as well. The West Indies, under the leadership of Hayley Matthews, entered the series with experienced performers including Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, and Chinelle Henry.
In the opening Women’s T20I match versus Bangladesh at Basseterre, the West Indies squad claimed an eight-wicket win. The West Indies comfortably chased down the required – 145 – in 16.5 overs, defeating the Bangladesh Women with 19 balls remaining.
33-year-old veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who scored an incredible 51 not out off 22 balls, was the player of the match. Nigar Sultana also put up a respectable 53 runs, but Bangladesh’s score was insufficient to keep off a relentless West Indies pursuit.
After choosing to bat first, Bangladesh scored 144/3 in their allocated 20 overs, setting up a promising start to their innings. The innings was stabilised at the top by Nigar Sultana’s steady 53 not out.
The foundation was laid by Sultana and Akhter’s partnership, but Bangladesh’s inability to accelerate limited their total to 144. Dottin’s remarkable period of 4 overs for just 13 runs was a major influence in limiting Bangladesh. West Indies bowlers, especially Dottin and Afy Fletcher, bowled tight lines.
Dottin drove the West Indies chase with her quick 51 not out off just 21 balls which is also the fastest fifty by a West Indian woman, which gave Bangladesh’s bowlers little hope of holding her. In order to keep up the necessary run rate, Dottin’s aggressive strategy—which included striking seven boundaries—was essential. Captain Hayley Matthews, on the other hand, scored an undefeated 60 not out in a calm and composed innings. The seasoned pair of Matthews and Dottin dominated the game.
Fastest fifties for West Indies in Women’s T20Is:
Deandra Dottin, 21 balls v Bangladesh, 2025
Deandra Dottin, 22 balls v Australia, 2009
Deandra Dottin, 25 balls v South Africa, 2010
Stacy-Ann King, 25 balls v Netherlands, 2010
Hayley Matthews, 25 balls v Sri Lanka, 2018
