Bangladesh women's cricket team suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat to West Indies in a crucial ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 Qualifier clash at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Monday, putting their direct qualification hopes on hold until the final match.
After three commanding wins in a row, the Tigresses entered the field knowing one more victory would secure their World Cup ticket. But despite a spirited all-round effort, Nigar Sultana Jyoti's side couldn't hold off a late Caribbean charge.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 227 for nine riding on a record second-wicket partnership between Sharmin Akhtar Supta and Farzana Haque Pinky. The pair stitched together 118 runs off 139 balls, the highest-ever partnership for Bangladesh against West Indies in ODIs, setting a strong platform after an early loss at 16.
Sharmin top-scored with a fluent 67 off 79 deliveries striking 10 boundaries, while Fargana Haque Pinky added a composed 42.
In the death overs, Nahida Akhtar's gritty 25 and Rabeya Khan's unbeaten 23 deliveries gave the innings late momentum.
West Indies' Alia Allen was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 39 runs, while Afy Fletcher and Hayley Matthews shared two wickets each.
In reply, the Caribbean side looked on course for a comfortable chase cruising at 140 for three but the game turned dramatically when Marufa Akhtar struck twice in quick succession and the Tigresses clawed back reducing West Indies to 197 for six. With pressure mounting hopes soared in the Bangladesh camp but Chinelle Henry snatched the game away with an unbeaten 51 off 48 balls. Stephanie Taylor (36) and skipper Hayley Matthews (33) also made key contributions.
Bangladesh's bowling effort was well-rounded with Marufa leading the pack with two scalps, while Jannatul Ferdous, Nahida Akhtar, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun and Ritu Moni chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Despite the defeat, Bangladesh remain at the top of the points table but the road to the Women's ODI World Cup now depends on the outcome of their final qualifier match against hosts Pakistan on April 19.
