Bangladesh started their two-match Test series against hosts West Indies with a massive loss due to the batters’ failure. On the fifth and final day of the first Test, which ended on Tuesday, Bangladesh faced a 201-run defeat against West Indies.
This marks Bangladesh’s third-largest defeat in terms of runs against West Indies. It is also the third time the Tigers have lost a Test match by 200 or more runs to the Caribbean side. Out of 21 encounters between the two teams, Bangladesh has now lost 15 matches, won four, and drawn two.
In the first Test held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Bangladesh was set a target of 334 runs. By the end of the fourth day, they were struggling at 109 for 7. To win the match, they needed 225 more runs with only three wickets in hand on the final day.
On the second over of the last day, Hasan Mahmud was dismissed by West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph. Hasan, who faced 12 balls, edged the ball to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva without scoring.
Zakir Ali, unbeaten on 15 runs overnight, tried to resist from one end. However, he was trapped LBW by Alzarri Joseph in the 37th over after scoring 31 runs with five boundaries. Even a review could not save him.
After Zakir’s departure, Shariful Islam joined Taskin Ahmed at the crease. However, Shariful retired hurt after facing just four balls when a short-pitched delivery from Alzarri struck his shoulder. Consequently, Bangladesh’s second innings ended at 132 for 9.
Bangladesh’s innings lasted only 39 minutes on the final day, during which they added just 23 runs in seven overs. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales claimed three wickets each, while Alzarri Joseph picked up two.
Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his century in the first innings.
In the first innings, West Indies had posted a massive 450 for 9 declared, while Bangladesh managed 269 for 9 declared in reply. West Indies were bowled out for 152 in their second innings, leaving a stiff target for Bangladesh, who eventually folded for 132.
The second and final Test of the series will begin in Kingston on November 30.
Scores:
West Indies 1st Innings: 450/9d in 144.1 overs (Greaves 115*, Lewis 97, Athanaze 90; Hasan 3/87, Taskin 2/76, Mehidy 2/99).
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 269/9d in 98 overs (Zakir 53, Mominul 50, Litton 40; Alzarri 3/69).
West Indies 2nd Innings: 152/10 in 46.1 overs (Athanaze 42, Brathwaite 23; Taskin 6/64, Mehidy 2/31).
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 132/9 in 38 overs (Mehidy 45, Litton 22; Roach 3/20).
Result: West Indies won by 201 runs.
Series: West Indies leads 1-0 in the two-match series.
Player of the Match: Justin Greaves (West Indies).
