Hayley Matthews and Nahida Akter are among the top choices as fantasy team captains [Source: @UmpireFourth/X.com]
After a strong win against the Bangladesh Women, the West Indies Women are gearing up for the 2nd ODI on January 21 at 11:30 PM IST. The match will take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, as Bangladesh looks to bounce back and even the series at 1-1.
In the first match, the West Indies Women really showcased their skills both with the bat and the ball. They kept Bangladesh to a decent 198 runs, and skipper Hayley Matthews along with Qiana Joseph made quick work of the chase, finishing it off in just 31.4 overs. Deandra Dottin was a standout with the ball, bagging 3 wickets for 40 runs, while Aaliyah Alleyne chipped in with 2 for 22, making things tough for the Bangladesh batters. Now, with the series decider on the horizon, the Windies are eager to wrap things up early with a 2-0 lead.
The Bangladesh bowlers struggled in the first match, and while Murshida Khatun and Sharmin Akhter put up some fight with the bat, the rest of the team couldn't really withstand the West Indies' pressure. The 2nd ODI is crucial for Bangladesh, as it’s their last shot to level the series and push for a third match. With some aggressive batters and skilled bowlers in the mix, the Bangladesh Women are expected to come out swinging for a tough contest against the Windies.
Warner Park - Pitch Report For 2nd ODI Between WI-W And BD-W
The pitch at Warner Park is pretty bowler-friendly right at the start, especially with the new ball, as it tends to offer good movement and bounce. Batters can definitely score runs, but both pace bowlers and spinners can make the most of the conditions. As the game goes on, spinners might start to see some turn as well. Because of all this, the captain who wins the toss might just decide to bowl first to take advantage of that early movement and get a grip on the match.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For WI-W vs BD-W
3) Nahida Akter
Why Nahida Akter Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Skilled Spinner: Nahida Akter, a talented spinner from Bangladesh, is poised to thrive at Warner Park, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions. Her ability to extract turn and bounce can translate into wicket-taking opportunities, making her a valuable asset in the bowling department. Recent performances, such as her figures of 2/20 and 1/20 against Ireland in T20Is, highlight her ability to break partnerships and maintain pressure on opponents, thus making her a suitable choice for fantasy captain.
Experience Meets Tactical Expertise: With 47 ODIs to her name, Nahida Akter brings a wealth of experience that enables her to exploit pitch movements effectively. Her career-best figures of 5/21 in ODIs reflect her ability to deliver match-winning spells. Maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.79 and a bowling average of 22.95, she has consistently proven her mettle on the international stage. Hence, Nahida’s expertise in her bolwing make her a strong contender for a fantasy captain or vice-captain.
2) Deandra Dottin
Why Deandra Dottin Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
In-form Bowler: Deandra Dottin’s recent performances with the ball make her a strong contender for leadership roles in fantasy cricket. Her ability to adapt to different conditions, coupled with her ability for breakthroughs, is evident from her figures of 3/40 against Bangladesh and 2/14 against India in T20Is. At pitches offering assistance to bowlers, Dottin’s skillset positions her as a reliable wicket-taker who can control the game’s momentum and rack up valuable fantasy points.
Valuable All-rounder: Dottin’s prowess is not limited to her bowling. She is a seasoned all-rounder with an exceptional batting record. Over 147 ODIs, she has amassed 3,750 runs, including three centuries and 22 fifties, with a top score of 150. Her strike rate of 78.85 and an average of 30.00 underscore her ability to score quickly and consistently. A true match-winner with both bat and ball, Dottin’s all-round contributions make her an invaluable asset for any fantasy team.
1) Hayley Matthews
Why Hayley Matthews Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Recent Blistering Form With the Bat: Hayley Matthews is currently in scintillating form, making her a standout choice for fantasy cricket leadership roles. Her recent performances include a stunning unbeaten 104 off 93 balls against Bangladesh and a quick-fire 85* off 47 balls in a T20I against India. Matthews has consistently delivered impactful innings, combining aggression with precision, making her a reliable asset for scoring big points in fantasy leagues.
An Experienced Veteran Who Builds Innings: With 88 ODIs under her belt, Matthews has demonstrated her ability to anchor innings and step up in crucial moments. Her career stats include 2,664 runs at an average of 32.89, highlighted by eight centuries and six fifties. Known for her ability to stabilize the innings as she maintains a strike rate of 73.51, Matthews’ experience and consistency make her an invaluable addition as a captain in any fantasy team.