The Bangladesh cricket team doubled the joy of Victory Day celebrations by securing a nail-biting win over the West Indies. In the first T20 match of the series, Bangladesh defeated the hosts by 7 runs. Chasing a target of 148, the West Indies batters struggled against the Tigers’ bowlers and were bowled out for 140 with one ball remaining.
In the final over, the hosts needed 10 runs. Hasan Mahmud dismissed Rovman Powell, who edged a catch behind the stumps, sealing the victory for Bangladesh. Alzarri Joseph was bowled in the very next delivery, confirming a remarkable win.
The match in Saint Vincent ended late on December 15, but it was already December 16 in Bangladesh—Victory Day, marking 53 years since the nation’s independence. Bangladesh’s victory added to the day’s festivities for the people back home.
Early Overs: Bangladesh Takes Control
The Tigers kept the West Indies under pressure from the start. Hasan Mahmud gave away just one run in the first over, and Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brandon King in the next over. King edged the ball to mid-off, where Tanzid Hasan Tamim made no mistake with the catch.
New batter Nicholas Pooran came out aggressively but was stumped early on by Sheikh Mahedi Hasan. Johnson Charles hit two sixes and a four off Tanzim Hasan, but his aggression backfired when he attempted another boundary off Mahedi’s bowling and was caught by Hasan Mahmud at mid-off.
Andre Fletcher nicked Mahedi’s skidding delivery to the keeper Litton Das, and Roston Chase followed shortly after in a similar fashion. Mahedi Hasan’s spell proved decisive as he picked up 4 wickets for just 13 runs in his 4 overs, putting Bangladesh in the driver’s seat.
Powell’s Resistance and a Tight Finish
After Mahedi’s spell, Rovman Powell began to counterattack. Partnering with Gudakesh Motie, he attempted to revive the chase but was undone by Tanzim Shakib. Motie was dismissed shortly after by Rishad Hossain. The West Indies were reduced to 61 for 7.
Powell then formed a crucial 67-run partnership with Romario Shepherd for the eighth wicket. Shepherd scored 22 off 17 before falling to Taskin Ahmed, caught at deep midwicket. Powell continued to fight, scoring a valiant 60 off 35 balls, but his dismissal in the penultimate over by Hasan Mahmud ended the hosts’ hopes.
Bangladesh’s Innings: Building to a Competitive Total
Earlier, after losing the toss, Bangladesh batted first and scored 147 for 6. The innings relied heavily on Soumya Sarkar’s 43 runs, while late contributions from Shamim Hossain and Mahedi Hasan added vital runs.
Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan Tamim early, bowled by Akeal Hosein for just 6 runs. Captain Litton Das was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving the team in trouble. Afif Hossain couldn’t settle either, scoring 8 runs before being caught off Roston Chase’s bowling.
Soumya Sarkar and Zakir Ali Anik then steadied the innings, adding 57 runs from 42 balls. However, Zakir was dismissed for 20, and Soumya followed shortly after, scoring 43 off 32 balls.
At 95 for 5 after 15 overs, Bangladesh seemed unlikely to cross 140. But Shamim Hossain, returning to the national team after a year, played a brilliant knock of 27 off 13 balls, supported by Mahedi Hasan. Their partnership ensured Bangladesh reached a competitive total. Shamim was dismissed with one ball remaining, and Rishad Hossain scored two runs off the final delivery to close the innings at 147.
