West Indies ease past Bangladesh to strengthen semi-final hopes in Women’s T20 World Cup

West Indies moved closer to the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup with an impressive eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday, thanks to off-spinner Karishma Ramharack’s brilliant bowling performance. 

Ramharack, 29, played a key role by taking four wickets, helping her team restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 103-8 in their 20 overs on a slow pitch in Sharjah. She consistently troubled the Bangladesh batters and picked up crucial wickets at important moments.

"It was quite slow early on, and I felt like you had to vary your pace as much as possible," Ramharack said after being named player of the match.

Chasing 104 to win, West Indies easily reached their target in just 12.5 overs. Captain Hayley Matthews gave her team a quick start, scoring 34 runs off 20 balls with six boundaries before being bowled by Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter. Stafanie Taylor also contributed with 27 runs before retiring hurt, but West Indies were well on their way to victory by then.

Deandra Dottin finished the game in style, hitting two sixes to score 19 not out, as West Indies sealed a crucial win in their campaign.

Bangladesh, after electing to bat, struggled to build partnerships. Their captain Nigar Sultana top-scored with 39 runs, but the team lost wickets at regular intervals. Ramharack was the standout bowler, dismissing opener Shathi Rani and key batters Dilara Akter and Sobhana Mostary, while Afy Fletcher and the rest of the bowling unit kept the pressure on.

With this victory, West Indies have boosted their chances of making it to the semi-finals as they continue their push for the Women’s T20 World Cup.