CHITTAGONG, Jan 22, (V7N) – The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team secured a historic 60-run victory over the West Indies in the second ODI in St. Kitts, keeping their hopes alive for a direct qualification to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. This marks their first-ever win against the West Indies in any format of cricket.

Led by skipper Nigar Sultana Joty’s 68 runs and a dominant performance by their spinners, the Tigresses leveled the three-match series 1-1. Batting first, Bangladesh scored 184 runs before being bowled out in 48.5 overs. The bowlers then dismantled the West Indies lineup for 124 in 35 overs, with Nahida Akter (3-31) leading the charge, supported by Rabeya Khatun (2-30) and Fahima Khatun (2-20). Pacer Marufa Akter chipped in with two wickets as well.

West Indies skipper Shemaine Campbelle top-scored with 28, while opener Hayley Matthews, who scored a century in the first match, managed only 16 this time.

Bangladesh’s batting, anchored by Nigar Sultana, saw useful contributions from Sobhana Mostary (23) and Shorna Akter (21) despite early setbacks. West Indies’ Karishma Ramharack (4-33) and Aaliyah Alleyen (3-24) were the standout bowlers.

This win places Bangladesh in seventh place with 21 points in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, tied with sixth-placed New Zealand, who have completed their matches. A victory in the final ODI will propel Bangladesh into the top six, securing direct entry to the World Cup.

If they lose, they will have to compete in the Qualifiers against teams like Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand, where only two spots are up for grabs.

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