When Hayley Matthews, captain of West Indies Women struck an unbeaten 104, the Caribbean side pulled ahead 1‑0 in the three‑match ODI series against Bangladesh Women on 21 January 2025.
During 2nd Women’s ODI – West Indies vs BangladeshWarner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts, the match kicked off at 11:30 PM IST and was streamed live on FanCode.
Match Recap and Key Performances
The opening game saw Bangladesh post 198/9, with Sharmin Akhter topping the chart at 42 off 70 balls. Nigar Sultana Joty, the Bangladeshi skipper, contributed a gritty 29, but the middle order struggled to build lasting partnerships.
West Indies’ reply was a masterclass in chasing. Matthews’ 104* came off 93 deliveries, her eighth ODI hundred, while Qiana Joseph added a breezy 70 off 79 balls. The only wicket to fall was that of Joseph, caught behind by Deandra Dottin at 31.4 overs, leaving the side at 202/1 with 110 balls to spare.
- Bangladesh total: 198/9 (50 overs)
- West Indies chase: 202/1 (31.4 overs)
- Top scorer WI: Hayley Matthews – 104* (93 balls)
- Best bowler BAN: Nahida Akter, 2/34
- Man of the match: Hayley Matthews
"We stuck to the plan, rotated the strike, and let the power‑play do its work," Matthews said in the post‑match interview. "The pitch was perfect for a chase, and I’m thrilled to give the fans something to cheer about."
Squad Breakdown
West Indies entered the series with a blend of experience and youth. Alongside Matthews, the squad featured vice‑captain Shemaine Campbelle, all‑rounder Deandra Dottin, and a promising seam attack led by Afy Fletcher. The team’s depth allowed Matthews to anchor the innings while the middle order accelerated.
Bangladesh’s camp, captained by Joty, leaned heavily on its top order – Sobhana Mostary (35) and Shorna Akter (29) – but the lack of a dominant partnership left them exposed. The side’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Nahida Akter, managed only three wickets across both games.
Pitch and Conditions at Warner Park
Warner Park has historically favoured batting first; in the past ten ODIs, teams batting first have won seven times. The surface on 21 January was a dry, even bounce with minimal swing – conditions that suited Matthews’ aggressive style and made run‑scoring easier for the West Indian batters.
Local weather reports indicated a mild breeze from the east, barely affecting the swing factor. Ground staff had rolled the outfield hard, ensuring the ball raced to the boundary, which helped the 70‑run cameo from Joseph.
Implications for the Series
With the series now 1‑0, West Indies sit in a commanding position. A win in the third ODI would seal a 2‑0 lead and give them the series outright. For Bangladesh, the upcoming match is a must‑win to keep the tour alive; a 1‑1 tie would still be a moral victory after a tough opening loss.
Cricket analyst Shane Watson (former Australian all‑rounder) noted, "Bangladesh need to consolidate at the top and play a long innings. If they can post 250+, the pressure shifts back onto the West Indies bowlers, who struggled a bit with line and length in the first game."
Looking Ahead to the Decider
The final ODI is slated for 24 January 2025 at the same venue. Both captains are expected to win the toss and elect to bat, given the pitch’s proven bias. Fans will be watching closely to see if Matthews can replicate her century and whether Bangladesh can evolve their middle‑order strategy.
Streaming partner FanCode has promised extended pre‑match analyses, player mic‑ups, and a post‑match panel featuring former West Indies legend Stafanie Taylor. The excitement surrounding women’s cricket in the Caribbean continues to build, and this series could be a catalyst for greater investment in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the result affect Bangladesh's World Cup qualification hopes?
A loss in the third ODI would leave Bangladesh trailing in the ICC Women's Championship, reducing their points tally. Winning the series could boost morale and provide a small points gain, keeping them within striking distance of the automatic qualification spots.
Who are the key players to watch in the final match?
For the West Indies, keep an eye on Hayley Matthews and emerging fast bowler Mandy Mangru. Bangladesh will rely on captain Nigar Sultana Joty and all‑rounder Fahima Khatun to stabilise the innings.
What made Warner Park a decisive factor in the series?
The ground’s flat wicket and quick outfield traditionally favour high scores. Teams that bat first often set imposing totals, while bowlers need to exploit any early moisture. This dynamic played out clearly in the opening two ODIs.
How can fans watch the upcoming match?
The third ODI will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website, with a free match‑day pass for registered users. A limited television broadcast will also be available on Caribbean Sports Network in the region.
What are the broader implications for women's cricket in the West Indies?
A series win would bolster the West Indies Women’s Programme, attracting sponsorship and inspiring grassroots participation. Conversely, a close contest could spark discussions on investment in training facilities across the Caribbean islands.
