ঢাকা - March 19, 2025, 10:52 pm
December 16, Bangladesh’s Victory Day, became even more memorable as the national cricket team secured a thrilling 7-run win against the West Indies. This victory marked Bangladesh’s first T20I win over the West Indies in nearly six years, delighting cricket fans nationwide.
mahedi played vital role won the match | photo: cricket west indies
After losing the toss, Bangladesh was sent to bat first. Captain Liton Das had expressed hopes of scoring over 180 runs, but the team faced early setbacks. The opening pair failed to deliver again, as Bangladesh lost three wickets in the powerplay, managing just 32 runs.
Middle-order contributions from Zakir Hasan (27), Soumya Sarkar (43), Shamim Hossain (27), and Mahedi Hasan (26) helped Bangladesh recover and post a competitive total of 146 runs.
The West Indies bowlers, led by Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy (two wickets each), kept Bangladesh in check. Romario Shepherd and Roston Chase also claimed a wicket apiece.
Mahedi Hasan Shines with the Ball
Chasing 147, the West Indies struggled from the start, with Taskin Ahmed dismissing Brandon King in the first over. Mahedi Hasan followed up by taking the key wicket of Nicholas Pooran (1) in the second over, putting the home side under pressure.
Mahedi’s exceptional spell of 4 wickets for just 13 runs dismantled the West Indies batting lineup. Despite Rovman Powell’s resistance, the hosts faltered. Hasan Mahmud bowled a decisive final over, taking the last wicket of Alzarri Joseph with one ball remaining, securing a hard-fought victory for Bangladesh.
Key Performers of the Match
Player of the Match: Mahedi Hasan, for his all-round performance with 26 runs off 24 balls and 4 wickets.
Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud contributed with 2 wickets each, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain picked up one wicket each.
Shakib Al Hasan struggled, conceding 47 runs in 4 overs without much impact.
Bangladesh Leads the Series
This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The Tigers will aim to secure the series in the second T20I, scheduled for December 18 at 6:00 AM in Kingstown.
