Windies names women’s team for historic Bangladesh series

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and her Bangladesh counterpart Nigar Sultana Joty after their match at last year's T20 World Cup.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and her Bangladesh counterpart Nigar Sultana Joty after their match at last year’s T20 World Cup.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced the women’s squad to compete against Bangladesh in their upcoming inaugural bilateral white-ball tour of the West Indies from 19 to 31 January.

The tour will feature three CG United One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, all scheduled to take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.

This marks the West Indies Women’s first-ever bilateral series against Bangladesh, and it is Bangladesh’s first bilateral series tour of the Caribbean, as both teams continue their preparation for upcoming ICC events.

Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe welcomed the series:

“We are pleased to welcome Bangladesh for an exciting white-ball series. This tour is significant for multiple reasons as it strengthens our bilateral cricket relationships, provides our team valuable match practice, and offers opportunities for vital ICC Women’s Championship points.”

He added,

“We’ve seen Bangladesh’s progress in recent years, and these matches will be crucial for both teams. We are particularly excited about showcasing our women’s team to a larger home audience, giving cricket fans throughout the region a chance to see international women’s cricket up close. These bilateral series are essential for the continued development of women’s cricket worldwide and in our region. We expect some highly competitive matches across both formats.”

The two teams last met in the group stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE on 10 October, where West Indies Women secured an eight-wicket victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Previously, their last T20I clash was on 9 November 2018 at Guyana’s Providence Stadium during that year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Their last ODI meeting, which took place nearly three years ago in New Zealand on 18 March 2022, resulted in a four-run victory for the West Indies. Overall, the two teams have met five times in international competition—four times in T20Is and once in an ODI—and West Indies are yet to taste defeat.

A series victory is also in the sights of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, with her team seeking qualification to the 2025 ODI World Cup.

West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz commented:

“Bangladesh’s visit comes at an ideal time in our preparation cycle. They’re a skilled unit that has shown impressive growth, and this series gives us an excellent opportunity to examine our squad depth and continue to implement our aggressive, flamboyant brand of West Indian cricket.”

He continued,

“We have been focusing on specific areas of improvement in our training and touring, and these matches will help us gauge our progress. The conditions at Warner Park will challenge both teams and make for compelling cricket. I’m looking forward to seeing how some of our younger and less-experienced players respond to the test.”

 Under the leadership of Matthews, the selected squad represents a blend of seasoned campaigners and eager newcomers.

While Stafanie Taylor is still recovering from a knee injury, Jannillea Glasgow and Cherry Ann Fraser, who recently had successful stints in state cricket in Tasmania, have been included.

West Indies Women’s Squad:

Hayley Matthews (captain)

Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain)

Aaliyah Alleyne

Nerissa Crafton

Deandra Dottin

Afy Fletcher

Cherry Ann Fraser

Shabika Gajnabi

Jannillea Glasgow

Chinelle Henry

Zaida James

Qiana Joseph

Mandy Mangru

Ashmini Munisar

Karishma Ramharack

Team Management Unit:

Head Coach: Shane Deitz

Manager: Sheena Gooding

Assistant Coach: Ryan Austin

Assistant Coach: Damien Wright

Team Analyst: Gary Belle

Physiotherapist: Angelica Holder

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Antonia Burton

Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy

Media & Content Officer: John Phillips

Games will be broadcast on ESPN Caribbean, while admission to the venue is free.

Bangladesh Women’s Tour of the West Indies Schedule (Eastern Caribbean Time):

ODIs:

1st ODI on 19 January 2025, 2:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

2nd ODI on 21 January 2025, 2:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

3rd ODI on 24 January 2025, 2:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

T20Is:

1st T20I on 27 January 2025, 6:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

2nd T20I on 29 January 2025, 6:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

3rd T20I on 31 January 2025, 6:00PM at Warner Park, St Kitts

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