BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – With an emphatic 106-run victory over Bangladesh Women on Wednesday night, the West Indies Women’s team secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series.
While Qiana Joseph, Deandra Dottin, and captain Hayley Matthews stole the limelight with commanding performances, it was the emergence of young talents like Shabika Gajnabi and Jannillea Glasgow that left assistant coach Damien Wright particularly pleased.
As the Caribbean side looks ahead to the final showdown on Friday, Wright hinted that the younger members of the squad might play a more prominent role, given that the series is already decided.
Joseph, Dottin and Matthews lead the charge
Wednesday’s match at Warner Park was a batting masterclass, with Qiana Joseph leading the way with her second career T20I half-century. Deandra Dottin, known for her ferocious hitting, fell just short of a half-century, blazing 49 runs in a boundary-filled onslaught, while captain Hayley Matthews contributed a solid 27.
This dominant batting display left Bangladesh Women reeling, unable to mount a significant response against a West Indies side brimming with confidence and intent.
Gajnabi and Glasgow seize their moment
Despite the fireworks from the established stars, it was 24-year-old Shabika Gajnabi and Jannillea Glasgow, both relatively inexperienced at the international level, who added another layer of excitement. Gajnabi played a fluent, unbeaten 24 off just 12 balls, while Glasgow contributed a handy 14 at a run-a-ball pace.
Wright, addressing the media in a post-match interview, was effusive in his praise for the young duo.
“Gajnabi was fantastic. She has had limited opportunities, but to see her come out and play so freely like that—she did a great job. And I thought Glasgow was terrific as well,” he said.
With the series already secured, Wright signaled that the final match on Friday could see changes in the line-up, allowing younger players to gain invaluable experience on the international stage.
“I think you might see a few changes in the next game now that the series is taken care of. You’ll probably see a few changes in that batting order,” he revealed.
Emerging players set to play bigger roles
As the West Indies Women’s team continues its journey towards greater consistency, the emergence of young and dynamic players like Gajnabi and Glasgow bodes well for the squad’s future.
“The more we see of that, the more encouragement we’re going to get to give them more opportunities, which is what we want to see,” Wright emphasized.
With the final T20I set to take place on Friday in St. Kitts, the West Indies Women will be eager to complete a series whitewash, while also testing the depth of their squad—a vital step as they prepare for bigger challenges on the international stage.
