By Eric Collymore
December 16, 2024
Bangladesh claimed their first-ever T20I victory on West Indies soil, defeating the hosts by seven runs in the opening match of their three-game series.
The visitors were led by all-rounder Mahedi Hasan, whose performance with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in the win.
Batting first, Bangladesh struggled early, losing three quick wickets within the first five overs and posting just 30 runs on the board.
However, steady contributions from Soumya Sarkar, who top-scored with 43, as well as 27 runs each from Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali, helped the side recover.
Mahedi Hasan added 26 vital runs to lift Bangladesh to a total of 147 for six from their 20 overs.
The West Indies bowling unit, spearheaded by Obed McCoy and Akeal Hosein, both claiming two wickets, managed to contain Bangladesh for much of the innings but failed to capitalize on their strong start.
Chasing a target of 148, the West Indies’ batting lineup struggled against Bangladesh’s spinners.
The hosts crumbled to 61 for seven inside 12 overs as the visitors applied consistent pressure.
Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd provided resistance with a crucial 67-run partnership, but Shepherd’s dismissal in the 18th over left the West Indies needing nine runs off the final four deliveries.
Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained their composure, taking the last two wickets to dismiss the hosts for 140 in 19.5 overs.
Powell top-scored for the West Indies with 60 runs, including five boundaries and four sixes.
Shepherd and Johnson Charles were the only other batsmen to reach double figures, scoring 22 and 20, respectively.
Mahedi Hasan was the standout performer for Bangladesh, finishing with remarkable bowling figures of four for 13 from his four overs.
His performance set a new record for the best bowling figures by a visiting spinner against the West Indies, surpassing Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, who took four for 14 in 2017.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday, with play set to begin at 8 PM.