West Indies triumph over Bangladesh in World Cup Qualifier

West Indies triumph over Bangladesh in exciting ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier encounter

Pic courtesy ICC

Asher Butt

The West Indies defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 nail-biting clash at the LCCA Ground in Lahore on Thursday. The thrilling contest saw the West Indies chase down a target of 228 in 46 overs, with Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten half-century anchoring the victory, thus keeping their hopes alive for the World Cup qualifaction.

Electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted 227 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Sharmin Akhter was the standout performer, scoring a well-crafted 67 runs off 94 balls, including eight boundaries. She partnered effectively with Fargana Hoque, who contributed 42 runs, as they built a solid foundation with a 100-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, the middle and lower order struggled to maintain momentum, despite useful contributions from Nahida Akter (25), Rabeya Khan (23 not out), and Ritu Moni (15). Bangladesh’s innings was also bolstered by 22 extras from the opposition.

The West Indies bowlers were impressive, with Aaliyah Alleyne leading the attack by claiming 4 wickets for 39 runs. Hayley Matthews and Afy Fletcher provided crucial support, taking two wickets each, while Chinelle Henry chipped in with one scalp.

Sharmin Akhter reached her half-century off just 57 balls. While Bangladesh crossed the 200-run mark in 48.3 overs, eventually finishing with 227 for 9.

Chasing 228, the West Indies faced initial setbacks but managed to recover thanks to key contributions from Stafanie Taylor (36) and Hayley Matthews (33). Qiana Joseph (31) and Shemaine Campbelle (24) also provided steady starts.

The turning point came in the sixth-wicket partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shaoika Gajanabi, who added 50 runs off 61 balls. Henry’s unbeaten 51 off 47 deliveries, featuring five fours and two sixes, sealed the win for her team in the 46th over.

Bangladesh bowlers tried their best to defend the total, with Marufa Akter taking 2 wickets for 38 runs. Jannatul Ferdus, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Ritu Moni picked up a wicket each.

West Indies in their chase reached 100 runs in 22.6 overs. Chinelle Henry brought up her half-century in style off just 47 balls.

This victory keeps the West Indies’ hopes alive in the race for the ICC Women’s World Cup qualification, as net run rate becomes increasingly significant in determining the top two teams. Despite the loss, Bangladesh remains in contention for qualification with one match still to play against Pakistan.

Brief scores: Bangladesh: 227-9 in 50 overs (Sharmin Akhter 67, Fargana Hoque 42; Aaliyah Alleyne 4-39, Hayley Matthews 2-42)

West Indies: 228-7 in 46 overs (Chinelle Henry 51 not out, Stafanie Taylor 36; Marufa Akter 2-38)

Result: West Indies won by 3 wickets.