Bangladesh Women Edge Closer to ODI World Cup Qualification with 60-Run Win

BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Bangladesh Women secured a crucial 60-run victory over West Indies Women in the second One-Day International (ODI) on Tuesday, keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. The win at Warner Park leveled the three-match series 1-1, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever victory against West Indies in any format.

Bangladesh, currently seventh in the ICC Women's Championship standings with 21 points, are now tied with sixth-placed New Zealand. A win or no-result in Friday’s series decider would see Bangladesh leapfrog New Zealand and secure direct qualification for the World Cup for the first time. West Indies, languishing in ninth place with 16 points, are out of contention for automatic qualification.

Captain Nigar Sultana anchored Bangladesh’s innings with a patient 68 off 120 balls, her fifth ODI half-century. Her 51-run partnership with Sobhana Mostary (23) steadied the innings after early setbacks. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 184 in 48.5 overs, with West Indies’ Karishma Ramharack (4-33) and Aaliyah Alleyne (3-24) leading the bowling attack.

In response, West Indies crumbled to 124 all out in 35 overs, with Nahida Akter (3-31) and Marufa Akter (2-22) spearheading Bangladesh’s bowling effort. Shemaine Campbelle top-scored for the hosts with 28, but the team’s star batters, Hayley Matthews (16) and Deandra Dottin (2), failed to deliver.

“It was great to see how we bounced back in such a short turnaround time, especially after the nine-wicket defeat,” said Nigar after the match. “We definitely wanted this momentum. The two points are priceless, but we also want to achieve a series win by winning the next game.”

Nigar emphasized the team’s collective effort, particularly in defending a modest total. “We gave an outstanding effort out there. The team had belief. We didn’t score a lot of runs, but we planned to bowl in the right areas and wait for the batters to make mistakes,” she added.

The third and final ODI, scheduled for Friday, will determine the series outcome and Bangladesh’s World Cup fate. A win would not only secure their first overseas series victory but also mark a historic milestone for the team.