West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz believes the upcoming series against Bangladesh will serve as an important benchmark for the team’s progress as they prepare for future challenges.
Deitz’s sentiments came as Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the squad for the inaugural bilateral white-ball series against their south Asian opponents scheduled for January 19 to 31. The tour features three CG United One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, all at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
“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," said Deitz.
“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,” he added.
With this being the first-ever bilateral series between the two teams and Bangladesh’s first tour of the Caribbean, it also provides a platform for both sides to fine-tune their preparations for upcoming ICC events.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe highlighted the significance of 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," said Bascombe.
“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,” he noted.
The West Indies Women last faced Bangladesh during the group stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, securing an eight-wicket victory. The two teams have met five times in international competition, with the West Indies maintaining an unbeaten record.
Captain Hayley Matthews will lead a squad blending seasoned veterans and emerging talent as they aim for qualification to the 2025 ODI World Cup. The squad includes Jannillea Glasgow and Cherry Ann Fraser, both of whom recently impressed in state cricket in Tasmania.
Games will be broadcast on ESPN Caribbean, and admission to Warner Park will be free, offering fans a chance to witness high-quality international women’s cricket up close.
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
Schedule: 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