!['The Glasgow Show' for West Indies [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/395846-e1738400096286.webp "'The Glasgow Show' for West Indies [Image: Getty]")
West Indies secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final T20I, sealing a 3-0 series sweep.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the hosts made full use of the conditions, restricting Bangladesh to a modest 104/8 in their 20 overs before comfortably chasing the target with nine balls to spare.
Dilara Akter Starts Strongly
Bangladesh’s innings began on a promising note, with young Dilara Akter exhibiting aggressive intent right from the outset. She played with a positive mindset, finding the gaps early and dispatching loose deliveries with confidence.
Her 16-ball 21 included three well-timed boundaries—two elegant cover drives and a crisp cut shot past point—that briefly lifted Bangladesh’s scoring rate. Partnering with Murshida Khatun at the top, Dilara ensured the visitors made steady progress in the powerplay, reaching 30/0 in the first four overs.
However, just as Bangladesh looked set to build a strong foundation, West Indies found a crucial breakthrough through Jannillea Glasgow. The young pacer, who had been impressive throughout the series, made an immediate impact by dismissing Murshida Khatun for 13.
Murshida, who had looked comfortable but somewhat tentative, attempted to clear mid-on but mistimed her shot, offering a straightforward catch to the fielder. With the opening stand broken, Bangladesh’s momentum suffered its first major jolt.
Jannillea Glasgow Stars
Glasgow wasn’t done yet. Just a few balls later, she struck again, this time removing the in-form Dilara Akter. Looking to continue her aggressive approach, Dilara stepped out to loft Glasgow over midwicket, but the extra bounce undid her, and she could only manage a leading edge to cover, where Zaida James took a sharp catch. Her dismissal left Bangladesh at 39/2, effectively halting their early charge.
With two key wickets lost, Bangladesh needed a period of consolidation. However, Sharmin Akhter struggled to get going. The right-hander appeared out of sorts against both spin and pace, managing only six runs off 10 balls before falling to young off-spinner Ashmini Munisar. Sharmin’s lack of fluency put additional pressure on Bangladesh’s middle order, which was already vulnerable due to its tendency to lose wickets in clusters.
Nigar Sultana Steadies The Ship
At the other end, captain Nigar Sultana took it upon herself to stabilize the innings. She adopted a patient approach, ensuring no further wickets fell quickly. However, her cautious strategy, while understandable given the match situation, came at the cost of scoring momentum. Despite remaining at the crease for 43 balls, she managed only 33 runs, striking at a rate well below 80. Although she rotated the strike effectively, she failed to find the boundary consistently, which allowed the West Indies bowlers to keep the pressure on.
Bangladesh’s lower middle order attempted to provide some late impetus, but their contributions were largely ineffective. Taj Nehar showed some intent, scoring 10 off 10, but she failed to capitalize on a couple of loose deliveries, mistiming her shots into the infield. Lata Mondal, who came in with the team needing a late flourish, struggled even more, crawling to five runs off 11 balls before being dismissed.
Meanwhile, Glasgow continued her brilliant spell, making further inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup. She accounted for Fahima Khatun, who attempted to sweep a full delivery but only managed a top-edge to short fine leg. With three wickets to her name, Glasgow capped off a sensational spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/15 in her four overs.
Zaida James and Afy Fletcher also played their roles to perfection. James bowled with control and variety, keeping the batters guessing, while Fletcher’s experience came to the fore as she used her subtle variations to deceive the batters. The West Indies spinners never allowed Bangladesh to free their arms, maintaining a stranglehold over the innings.
Adding to Bangladesh’s woes was a costly run-out towards the end, as Shorna Akter was caught short of her crease due to a mix-up with her partner.
In the end, Bangladesh limped to 104/8 in their allotted 20 overs—well below a competitive total on a pitch that was not particularly treacherous. Their innings, which had started with promise, fizzled out due to a combination of slow scoring, lack of partnerships, and disciplined West Indies bowling. Glasgow’s outstanding spell was the highlight of the innings, setting the stage for West Indies to comfortably chase down the target.
West Indies’ Steady Yet Cautious Chase to Victory
Chasing a modest target of 105, West Indies Women approached their innings with a sense of caution, aware that early wickets could bring Bangladesh right back into the contest.
The opening pair of Djenaba Joseph and Nerissa Crafton looked to take their time, prioritizing survival over aggression. However, their approach lacked fluency, as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, making run-scoring difficult in the early exchanges.
The pressure created by tight bowling eventually paid off when Sultana Khatun made the first breakthrough, dismissing Crafton for just five runs.
Attempting to break the shackles, Crafton tried to loft the ball over the infield but mistimed her shot, resulting in a simple catch at mid-off. Her departure left West Indies at 14/1, an early setback that signaled Bangladesh’s intent to make a match out of this low-scoring contest.
West Indies’ struggles continued as Fahima Khatun, one of Bangladesh’s most effective spinners, got into the act. She deceived Joseph (10) with her flight and dip, drawing a false shot that was comfortably taken at midwicket. With both openers dismissed, the hosts were reduced to 26/2, putting their middle order under pressure to consolidate.
Jannillea Glasgow’s Crucial Knock
Having already starred with the ball, Jannillea Glasgow walked in with the responsibility of steadying the innings. Despite the fall of early wickets, she showed great composure, playing each delivery on its merit and rotating the strike efficiently.
Her 28-ball 25 was a well-measured innings that balanced caution with controlled aggression. She displayed good footwork against the spinners, using the depth of the crease to nudge singles and punish any short deliveries.
Just as it seemed Glasgow was guiding West Indies to a comfortable finish, Bangladesh found a much-needed breakthrough.
Sultana Khatun, determined to keep her side in the contest, lured Glasgow out of the crease with a well-disguised flighted delivery. Glasgow misjudged the turn and bounce, and before she could recover, wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana executed a sharp stumping, removing the set batter.
Her dismissal triggered a brief collapse, with Deandra Dottin and Mandy Mangru failing to provide stability. Dottin, normally known for her explosive batting, struggled to get going, managing just 10 runs in a scratchy innings.
The pressure of the slow scoring eventually led to her downfall as she attempted an ambitious shot but only found the fielder in the deep. Mangru followed soon after, leaving West Indies in a precarious position at 61/5.
Shabika Gajnabi’s Calmness
With five wickets down and Bangladesh sensing an opportunity, it was down to Shabika Gajnabi to absorb the pressure. The right-hander, known for her ability to handle tense situations, crafted a composed unbeaten 27 off 25 balls.
She played risk-free cricket, ensuring she stayed at the crease while punishing any loose deliveries. Her calculated approach prevented Bangladesh from tightening their grip on the game.
At the other end, Zaida James played the perfect support role. She adopted a measured approach, rotating the strike consistently and ensuring West Indies didn’t lose another wicket. Her 14 off 22 balls might not have been the most eye-catching innings, but it was invaluable in the context of the chase.
Together, Gajnabi and James built a crucial 44-run partnership, systematically chipping away at the target. Their calmness under pressure ensured there were no further hiccups, as they sealed the victory with nine balls to spare in the 19th over.
Fahima Khatun and Sultana Khatun Shine with the Ball
Despite being on the losing side, Bangladesh’s bowlers put in a disciplined effort. Fahima Khatun was the standout performer, finishing with 2/14 in her four overs, using her variations effectively to trouble the West Indian batters.
Sultana Khatun also made an impact with 2/30, taking key wickets at crucial moments, including the dismissal of Glasgow that momentarily put West Indies under pressure.
However, their efforts were ultimately in vain, as Bangladesh’s batting frailties meant they had given their bowlers too little to defend.
With a match-winning 3/15 with the ball and a valuable 25 with the bat, Jannillea Glasgow was deservedly named the Player of the Match. Her all-round contribution was the defining factor in West Indies’ victory, as she played a pivotal role in both innings.
Despite a subdued performance in this match, Deandra Dottin’s impact across the series was undeniable. She was crowned Player of the Series, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 110 runs. Her contributions in previous matches had been instrumental in setting up West Indies’ dominance.
West Indies Complete a Dominant Clean Sweep
With this victory, West Indies sealed a 3-0 series whitewash, underlining their superiority in the shortest format. Their ability to handle pressure, backed by a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, showcased the depth in their squad.
For Bangladesh, this series exposed key areas of concern—especially their inconsistent batting and inability to accelerate in crucial phases. Their bowlers showed promise, but without sufficient runs on the board, they were always playing catch-up.
As the series concluded, West Indies walked away as the clear winners, having demonstrated their strength, resilience, and tactical acumen.
Brief Scores: West Indies vs Bangladesh- 3rd T20I
Bangladesh: 104/8 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 33, Dilara Akter 21; Jannillea Glasgow 3/15, Afy Fletcher 1/16) lost to West Indies: 105/5 in 18.3 overs (Shabika Gajnabi 27*, Jannillea Glasgow 25; Fahima Khatun 2/14, Sultana Khatun 2/30) by 5 wickets.
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