West Indies Women Host Bangladesh in Historic Cricket Series

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The West Indies Women’s cricket team is set to host Bangladesh in their first-ever bilateral white-ball series on Caribbean soil, beginning Sunday, January 19, at Warner Park. The series, which includes three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), marks a historic moment for both teams as they prepare for upcoming ICC tournaments.

The West Indies Women, led by captain Hayley Matthews, are looking to reverse their recent poor form, having lost their last five matches. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, with three wins in their last five games, aim to challenge the hosts on their home turf. Matthews, who has scored 492 runs in her last eight matches, will be a key player for the West Indies, while Zaida James, with 10 wickets in her last six matches, is expected to lead the bowling attack.

Head coach Shane Deitz emphasized the importance of the series for team development and individual performances. “It’s crucial to get some combinations going. A few players are playing for positions too, so we need them to put their hands up,” Deitz said. He also highlighted the need for improvement in powerplay performances, a weakness exposed during their recent tour of India.

The series will be broadcast live on Fancode, with the first ODI scheduled for 7:00 PM IST. The Warner Park pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest, favoring both batters and bowlers, making the toss a critical factor in determining the outcome of the matches.

This historic series not only provides a platform for emerging talents like Cherry Ann Fraser and Nerissa Crafton but also serves as a crucial preparation phase for both teams ahead of major ICC events. As the West Indies Women seek to regain momentum, the series promises to deliver high-stakes cricket and thrilling performances.