BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – The West Indies Women’s team, led by a spectacular all-round display from Jannillea Glasgow, clinched a resounding five-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in the third and final T20I at Warner Park on Friday.
Despite being without regular captain Hayley Matthews, sidelined due to illness, and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, who returned to Guyana for personal reasons, the Caribbean side maintained their unrelenting dominance to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
“We knew we had to step up, and I’m really proud of how the team executed under pressure,” said stand-in captain Karishma Ramharrack, who won the toss and opted to field.
The decision paid off as the West Indies bowlers dismantled Bangladesh’s batting line-up, restricting them to a modest total of 104 before successfully chasing down the target in 18.3 overs.
Glasgow strikes early as Bangladesh struggles
The West Indies bowlers wasted little time in asserting their dominance, with Glasgow leading the charge. Bangladesh’s openers showed initial promise, but the breakthrough came in the fourth over when Glasgow dismissed Murshida Khatun (13) with the score at 24.
The 19-year-old pacer struck again in the sixth over, rattling the stumps of Dilara Akter (21) with a peach of a delivery, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 32 for two.
The visitors’ struggles continued as off-spinner Ashmini Munisar added to their woes, removing Sharmin Akter (6) at 48 for three in the seventh over. The wickets continued to tumble, with the Bangladeshi middle order failing to build partnerships against a disciplined West Indies attack.
A valiant effort from captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who crafted a resilient 33 off 43 balls, gave Bangladesh some hope, ensuring they crept past the 100-run mark. However, Glasgow wrapped up an outstanding bowling display, finishing with impressive figures of 3-15 in her four overs, keeping the opposition under firm control.
Chase not without its stumbles
Despite a seemingly manageable target of 105, the West Indies’ pursuit of victory was far from straightforward.
The home side endured early jitters, stumbling to 26 for two by the sixth over as Bangladesh’s bowlers applied pressure. However, Glasgow once again emerged as the game-changer, following up her bowling heroics with a composed knock of 25 from 28 balls, including two boundaries, to reignite the West Indies innings.
A brief setback occurred when Deandra Dottin (10) fell cheaply, followed by Glasgow’s own departure soon after, leaving the hosts at a precarious 56 for four in the 11th over.
With the game hanging in the balance, Shabika Gajnabi (27 off 25 balls) and Zaida James (14 off 22 balls) displayed remarkable composure, forging a crucial 44-run sixth-wicket stand that steered West Indies to victory at 105-5 in 18.3 overs.
“We knew we had to stay calm and build partnerships,” said Gajnabi. “Jannillea set the foundation, and I just focused on getting us over the line.”
West Indies Women send a message
With this comprehensive 3-0 series sweep, the West Indies Women signaled their growing strength in international T20 cricket. Even in the absence of their two senior leaders, the team showcased depth, resilience, and exceptional execution under pressure.
“This win was about teamwork and believing in ourselves,” Ramharrack noted. “We are excited about what’s ahead for this squad.”
With young stars like Glasgow stepping up, the Caribbean women’s side is poised for greater challenges ahead, carrying the momentum of this emphatic victory into future encounters.
