The West Indies Women’s cricket team strengthened its chances of qualifying for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with a dramatic three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ongoing qualifiers.

Chasing a target of 228 runs for victory, the Caribbean side showed remarkable resilience and composure to secure the win with 24 balls to spare in a tense and hard-fought battle earlier this morning in Lahore.

The chase began on a positive note as opener Qiana Joseph played an impactful knock of 31 runs. She was supported by Shemaine Campbelle, who crafted a steady 24, putting together a crucial 34-run partnership for the second wicket.

The highlight of the West Indies’ chase, however, was a brilliant half-century from Chinelle Henry. Her explosive knock of 51 runs off 48 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes, proved vital in turning the game in the Caribbean women’s favour. Following her, Jamaican Stafanie Taylor contributed a solid 36 from 51, providing the final push to ensure the West Indies reached the target with ease.

Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter was the standout bowler for the opposition, picking up 2 wickets for 38 runs, while there was one wicket each for Nahida Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun and Ritu Moni.

Earlier, Bangladesh, batting first, posted a total of 227 for 9 in their allotted overs, largely thanks to an excellent 67-run performance from Sharmin Akhter. Opening batter Fargana Hoque provided valuable support with a knock of 42 runs, while Nahida Akter chipped in with 25 lower down the order.

Aaliyah Alleyne was the star with the ball for the Windies, claiming 4 wickets for 39 runs and taking charge in the middle overs. Captain Hayley Matthews (2 for 42) and Afy Fletcher (2 for 43) each picked up two wickets, while Chinelle Henry added to her all-round brilliance by taking 1 wicket for 38.

The victory lifted West Indies to 4 points in the standings, placing them alongside Scotland, who also have 4 points but a superior net run rate. The Caribbean side will now face Thailand in their final group match, which will be a must-win encounter. In addition, they will be hoping for favorable results in other matches to finish as one of the top two teams and advance to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

The current group table sees Bangladesh leading the pack with 6 points, closely followed by Pakistan, who also sit on 6 points.