|| CF DESK ||

West Indies thrashed Bangladesh women as Windies women cantered to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday to strengthen their chances of making it to the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup and put Tigresses into danger zone.

Earlier, Nigar Sultana’s 39 lifted her team to 103/8 in the first innings in Sharjah.

The Tigresses had looked on for a bigger score after a strong start from their top four, but were pegged back by some superb bowling from the West Indies, with Karishma Ramharack starring with 4/17.

West Indies captain Matthews won the toss and decided to have a bowl against Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

And an inspired stumping halted a strong start from the Bangladesh openers, as Shemaine Campbelle flashed over the bails after Shathi Rani (9) had overcommitted to a delivery from Karishma Ramharack.

Ramharack struck again to remove the dangerous-looking Dilara Akter, who was cleaned up on 19 (from 18 balls), with Bangladesh reaching 58/2 at the midway point of their innings.

Captain Nigar Sultana received a reprieve when it initially looked like she had been stumped, only for replays to show that the keeper’s gloves were not fully behind the stumps, meaning a no ball was given.

Sultana played a key hand through the middle order, stabilising an innings that threatened to go off the rails when Afy Fletcher struck twice in two balls, dismissing Taj Nehar (1) before bowling Shorna Akter (0).

But West Indies finished well, with Sultana (39 from 44) being one of three wickets to fall at the death as Bangladesh missed out on a late flurry, ending on 103/8.

Ramharack’s 4/17 were the pick of the figures, with Fletcher bagging 2/25 and Matthews coming back strong after an expensive first over to finish with 1/19 having gone for just four runs off the final over of the innings.

West Indies raced to the target in just 12.5 overs on a slow track in Sharjah.

Skipper Hayley Matthews gave West Indies a flying start as they raced to 48-0 off the first six overs of powerplay.

Her quickfire 34 runs came with the help of six fours before she was bowled by pacer Marufa Akter.

Stafanie Taylor retired hurt on 27 but by then West Indies had the game firmly in their control. 

Deandra Dottin (19 not out) smashed two sixes in the 13th over to seal the key game for her team.