BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – In a scintillating display of power and precision, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews dismantled Bangladesh Women to secure a commanding eight-wicket victory for West Indies Women in the first T20I at Warner Park on Monday.
Dottin, a fearless ball-striker, was simply unstoppable, bludgeoning seven towering sixes in a blistering 51-run unbeaten knock off just 22 deliveries. Meanwhile, skipper Matthews anchored the innings with elegance, crafting an unbeaten 60 off 54 balls, as West Indies stormed to victory with 145 for two in 16.5 overs, effortlessly chasing down Bangladesh’s 144 for three.
The triumph was a testament to the team’s balance, combining disciplined bowling with breath-taking batting, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.
Early stability sets the foundation
West Indies Women’s pursuit of 145 began with steady resolve, as Matthews and Qiana Joseph forged a solid 63-run opening stand. Their calculated approach ensured that Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to make early inroads.
However, Fahima Khatun provided a breakthrough, dismissing Joseph for a well-compiled 29 off 21 balls, caught at point.
The visitors briefly sensed an opening when Khatun struck again, removing Shemaine Campbelle for just three, reducing West Indies to 73 for two in the 11th over.
Then, the storm arrived.
Dottin unleashes fireworks
Striding to the crease with intent, Dottin immediately seized control, launching a ruthless counterattack that left Bangladesh’s bowlers shell-shocked.
Her onslaught began in the 13th over, when she obliterated Rabeya Khan for three monstrous sixes, plundering 20 runs off the over.
Not content, she continued the carnage, slog-sweeping Shorna Akter into the stands before dispatching Khatun beyond the ropes in the 15th.
The 16th over was the grand finale, as Dottin smashed Fariha Islam for two more massive sixes, the last of which brought up her electrifying half-century off just 21 balls, leaving West Indies a mere five runs from victory.
Matthews sealed the win in the following over, delicately chipping Sultana Khatun to deep midwicket for an easy single, concluding a dominant chase.
Despite her own superb 16th T20I half-century, Matthews’ composed innings was eclipsed by Dottin’s breath-taking brilliance, though the skipper’s seven boundaries played a crucial role in keeping the chase on track.
Bangladesh’s late surge not enough
Earlier, Bangladesh Women had struggled to gain momentum against West Indies’ disciplined bowling attack. However, a spirited late surge saw them pile on 52 runs in the final five overs, lifting their total to 144 for three.
Leading the charge was captain Nigar Sultana Joty, whose masterful 53 off 40 balls included five boundaries and two sixes, providing much-needed acceleration.
She found support in Sharmin Akter, who crafted a steady 37 off 41 deliveries, and Sobhana Mostary, who chipped in with 22 off 21 balls.
Yet, their late heroics proved insufficient against West Indies’ batting firepower, as Dottin and Matthews made light work of the chase.
