Despite putting up another impressive show, Bangladesh could not keep the momentum going in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup as the Tigresses lost marginally by four runs against West Indies at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui today.
Another cracking game of cricket was witnessed in the ongoing 2022 World Cup and the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side, coming on the back of a historic win over Pakistan in the previous game, dominated the majority of the game as the two sides clashed in an ODI for the first time. However, a couple of middle-order batting
collapses meant that the Tigresses had to be restricted to 136 all out in 49.3 overs as they chased a target of 141.
Electing to field first, Bangladesh skipper Joty’s plans were hitting the jackpot as her bowling unit ran all over Windies batters. However, from 70 for seven, middle order batter Shemaine Campbelle guided the tail to steer the Carribbeans to post 140 for nine in 50 overs. Campbelle scored 53 off 107 balls while Salma Khatun
and Nahida Akhter bagged a couple of wickets each for Bangladesh.
In reply, the Tigresses suffered an early setback, having lost their opener Shamima Sultana for a duck, but they soon recovered as Joty and Fargana Hoque Pinky stitched a 30-run partnership. However, from 60 for two in 20.2 overs, leg spinner Afy Fletcher first removed Pinky (23) and took three wickets in her two overs and
totally changed the complexion of the game.
Joty and Salma compiled a 25-run stand for the sixth wicket but star allrounder Hayley Matthews dismissed Joty (25) and struck twice in the 33rd over and had the Tigresses rattled at 85 for seven. The game was still headed for the wire though as Nahida stitched a crucial 25-run partnership with Salma, who got out in a soft
dismissal.
The Tigresses somehow still had victory in sight with eight runs needed from the final over with Nahida at crease with Fariha Trisna but in the end Trisna was bowled out to leave the Bangladesh camp in despair. Nahida remained not out on 25 off 64 balls.
Mathhews was the pick of the bowlers for the Carribieans, with figures of four for 15 runs while Fletcher, with her three wickets, caused the turning point in the match. Stafanie Taylor also scalped three, including the last-over wicket, while Karishma Ramharack was as economical as Mathhews and she bowled three maidens
as well.
Bangladesh would be gutted to have missed out on the win today like they did in their first game of tournament against South Africa. With only two points, the Tigresses lie on the bottom half of points table, ahead of Pakistan, while the West Indies occupy third spot with six points.
