Deandra Dottin’s Record-Breaking Half-Century Powers West Indies to Victory

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Deandra Dottin delivered a blistering 21-ball half-century, including seven sixes, to lead the West Indies women’s cricket team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20 International at Warner Park on Monday night. The 33-year-old Barbadian‘s performance marked the fastest half-century by a West Indies woman in T20 cricket and tied for the fifth-fastest in Women’s T20 International history.

Dottin, who came out of retirement last year, showcased her aggressive batting style, helping the West Indies chase down Bangladesh’s total of 144-3 with 19 balls to spare. Her innings of 51 not out, combined with captain Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten 60, ensured a dominant win for the hosts. Dottin’s seven sixes also tied for the sixth-most by a woman in a T20I innings.

Speaking after the match, Dottin revealed her determination to make amends after an early dismissal in the second One Day International against Bangladesh. “I came out with a little vengeance,” she said. “It’s either I get them, or they get me.” She also expressed her fondness for Warner Park, recalling her fastest century during the 2010 World Cup at the same venue.

Dottin, who holds the record for the most sixes in Women’s T20 Internationals with 124 in 137 matches, emphasized the importance of adapting to pitch conditions and assessing the opposition bowlers. “It’s just a matter of backing yourself, assessing the conditions, and taking on the bowlers,” she explained.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 144-3, thanks to Nigar Sultana Joty’s unbeaten 53 and Sharmin Akter’s 37. However, the West Indies bowlers, led by Cherry-Ann Fraser (1-23), Afy Fletcher (1-30), and Matthews (1-36), kept the visitors in check. In reply, the West Indies openers, Matthews and Qiana Joseph, laid a solid foundation with a 63-run partnership before Dottin’s explosive knock sealed the win.

The second match of the three-game series is scheduled for January 29 at Warner Park.