ESPNcricinfo
Bangladesh is one win away from securing direct qualification for this year’s Women’s ODI World Cup after defeating the West Indies by 60 runs in the second ODI in Basseterre on Tuesday. This victory marked Bangladesh’s first win against the West Indies in any format, levelling the series at 1-1, following the West Indies’ nine-wicket win in the first game on Sunday.
With this win, Bangladesh now sits in seventh place in the ODI Women’s Championship points table with 21 points, tied with New Zealand, who are currently sixth. The top five teams from this table, along with host nation India, will gain direct entry into the ODI World Cup. The third ODI between the West Indies and Bangladesh will be the final match of this Women’s Championship cycle. If Bangladesh wins the final game or if there is no result on Friday, they will surpass New Zealand and qualify for the ODI World Cup for the first time.
Conversely, the West Indies languish in ninth place with 16 points and have been eliminated from contention for direct qualification. The remaining four teams in the Women’s Championship table will compete in the ODI World Cup qualifiers alongside two additional teams for the last two spots in the main event.
In the second ODI on Tuesday, captain Nigar Sultana led the batting with a score of 68 as Bangladesh was bowled out for 184 in 48.5 overs. She hit five fours in her 120-ball innings, marking her fifth half-century in ODIs. Nigar anchored the innings, forming a 51-run partnership with Sobhana Mostary for the fourth wicket. Offspinner Karishma Ramharack achieved her first four-wicket haul in ODIs, while fast bowler Aaliyah Alleyne took three wickets.
On the bowling front, Nahida Akter spearheaded the Bangladesh attack, claiming three wickets, including two of the West Indies’ top three batters. Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Fahima Khatun each took two wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 124 in 35 overs. Shemaine Campbelle was the top scorer for the West Indies with 28 runs, while key players Hayley Matthews (16) and Deandra Dottin (2) fell for low scores.