DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews hailed her side’s resolve and fighting spirit after they rebounded from a crushing 10-wicket loss to South Africa to record consecutive victories in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the latest being an eight-wicket triumph over Bangladesh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Matthews, speaking after the win, expressed pride in her team’s ability to recover under pressure. “After that first defeat, we spoke a lot about how we wanted to come back and do it as a team. I think everyone was up for the challenge from that moment. In a World Cup, losing a game early on puts pressure on you, but the team handled it wonderfully,” said Matthews.
That character was on full display from the very start of the match as West Indies’ spinners choked the life out of Bangladesh’s batting. Karishma Ramharack was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a masterclass in spin bowling as she took 4-17 to restrict Bangladesh to 103 for eight. Her early breakthrough, having Shathi Rani stumped for nine, set the tone for a disciplined bowling effort.
“The girls have really stepped up,” Matthews added. “Sometimes when you’re in trouble, teams shy away, but our team has fought through. We’ve been fearless, and that’s been the biggest shift.”
Relentless West Indian attack
Ramharack struck again soon after, dismissing Dilara Akter, and although Bangladesh’s captain, Nigar Sultana, and Sobhana Mostary attempted to stabilize their innings with a 40-run partnership, they found it difficult to gain any momentum against the relentless West Indian attack. Mostary was dismissed for 16 by another smart piece of work behind the stumps by wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle, as Ramharack continued to apply pressure.
Reflecting on the team’s strategic approach, Matthews highlighted the shift in attitude: “We didn’t want to sit back after that first match. We wanted to take the game to the other teams, and you could see that in the way the girls played today.”
Bangladesh’s middle and lower order collapsed under the pressure. Afy Fletcher (2-19) further dented their hopes, removing Taj Nehar and Shorna Akter in quick succession, while Ramharack collected her fourth wicket of the day, dismissing Ritu Moni to leave Bangladesh struggling at 75-5. Their innings ended in disarray, with only Nigar Sultana (39) putting up any resistance.
Chasing 104 for victory, Matthews led from the front in typical aggressive fashion, adding crucial runs at the top of the order. She and veteran Stafanie Taylor, despite her injury struggles, shared a 52-run opening partnership. “Just our attitude at the crease, wanting to play fearlessly, has been the difference. We could have been stuck on the back foot after that first match, but we didn’t want to let that define us,” Matthews explained.
Superb touch
Matthews, who looked in superb touch, smashed four boundaries in quick succession to accelerate the scoring after a cautious start. She was eventually dismissed for 34 off 24 balls by a sharp inswinger from Marufa Akter, but by then, the Windies were firmly in control at 52-1.
Taylor, playing through a leg injury, fought bravely, reaching a major milestone by becoming the first West Indian woman to score 1,000 T20 World Cup runs. “Stafanie has been fantastic, even with the injury. Her contribution is invaluable, and her determination to stay out there is a testament to her leadership,” Matthews remarked, defending the decision to keep Taylor in the playing XI.
With Taylor retiring hurt after scoring 27, it fell to Campbelle and Deandra Dottin to finish the job. Campbelle added a brisk 21 from 16 balls before being stumped, but Dottin brought the match to a stunning conclusion, smashing two sixes off Nahida Akter to seal an emphatic victory at 104-2 in just 12.5 overs.
The win propelled West Indies to the top of Group B, and with one match remaining against England, Matthews is confident in her team’s ability to maintain their winning momentum. “We know how big that game is against England, but if we keep playing with the same attitude and belief, we can take it to any team,” she said, looking ahead to their final group match next Tuesday.
