Dottin, Matthews power WI Women past Bangladesh

BASSETERRE, St Kitts:

Deandra Dottin bludgeoned Bangladesh Women's bowlers to all parts of the ground in a superb display of power hitting, and together with captain Hayley Matthews propelled West Indies Women to a commanding eight-wicket victory in the first T20I at Warner Park yesterday.

Dottin smashed seven sixes in an unbeaten knock of 51 from 22 balls, while Matthews finished unbeaten on 60 from 54 balls, as the home side easily overhauled Bangladesh Women's total of 144 for three from their 20 overs, ending on 145 for two off 16.5 overs.

West Indies Women were given a solid start with openers Matthews and Qiana Joseph putting on 63 runs for the first wicket.

Fahima Khatun got the breakthrough when she had Joseph caught at point after scoring 29 from 21 balls.

Shemaine Campbelle's stay at the crease didn't last long as she made just three before she became Khatun's second victim, to leave the Windies 73 for two in the 11th over.

The fireworks began with Dottin's arrival, as she wasted little time in hitting Rabeya Khan for three huge sixes in the 13th over that went for 20 runs.

She followed up by slog sweeping Shorna Akter for another six in the next over, before sending Khatun over the ropes in the 15th over.

Dottin wasn't done just yet, smashing Fariha Islam for two more sixes in the 16th over, the last of which brought up her half century off 21 balls, while carrying West Indies within five runs of victory.

Matthews hit the winning run in the ensuing over, driving Sultana Khatun down to deep midwicket for an easy single.

The skipper, whose 16th T20I half century was overshadowed by Dottin, hit seven boundaries during her innings.

Earlier, Bangladesh Women did well to get up to their eventual total by picking up 52 runs in the last five overs after being limited by disciplined bowling by the home side early on.

They were led by an unbeaten half century from their captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who stroked 53 from 40 balls with five fours and two sixes.

There were also useful contributions from Sharmin Akter who made 37 from 41 balls and Sobhana Mostary who scored 22 from 21 balls.

Speaking ahead of yesterday's match, Matthews said the home series presented an opportunity for younger players to make a name for themselves,.

"I think it would be great to see everyone get an opportunity to really showcase their skills.

"We've obviously got a lot of new players in the team and a lot of younger players in the team at the moment as well, so it would be great to see people really get to make a name for themselves in a series like this," Matthews said.

"But at the same time from a team perspective, just continuing to get into winning habits as a team and, hopefully, it can help us go up the rankings a bit as well if we can be really consistent in 2025."

- CMC