Bangladesh secured their maiden T20 series victory in the Caribbean with a commanding 27-run win over the West Indies in the second match of the three-game series at Arnes Vale Stadium on Wednesday. This victory marks the first time since 2018 that Bangladesh has defeated the West Indies in a T20 series.

Batting first, Bangladesh faced early trouble, losing key wickets within the first 10 overs. However, a late surge led by Shamim Hossain, who scored an explosive 35 off 17 balls, helped the team post a defendable total of 129 for 7. Shamim’s innings, which included two sixes, proved crucial as Bangladesh added 49 runs in the last five overs.

For the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein were the standout bowlers, with Motie taking 2 wickets for 25 runs and Hosein conceding just 16 runs in his four overs.

In their chase, the West Indies crumbled under Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack, managing only 102 runs before being bowled out. Taskin Ahmed was instrumental, striking early with two wickets in the third over, including Brandon King (8) and Andre Fletcher (0). Mahedi Hasan and Hasan Mahmud chipped in with crucial wickets, dismantling the hosts’ batting lineup.

The West Indies' lone resistance came from Roston Chase (32 off 34 balls) and Akeal Hosein (unbeaten 28), who formed a 47-run partnership. However, Rishad Hossain's brilliant delivery ended Chase's innings, leaving the hosts in disarray. Taskin sealed the match by dismissing Akeal in the 19th over, ensuring a well-deserved victory for Bangladesh.

The win also highlighted the astute captaincy of Liton Das, who led the team with strategic bowling changes and field placements. Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Taskin (3/19), Mahedi (2/20), and Hasan Mahmud (1/17), delivered under pressure to script a historic moment in the team’s T20 journey.

Bangladesh will now look to complete a clean sweep in the final match, with confidence high after this landmark achievement.

BDST: 1018 HRS, DEC 18, 2024
MN/SMS