After a long wait of 15 years, Bangladesh has finally achieved a Test victory against the West Indies on their home soil. The last time the Tigers won a Test in the Caribbean was back in 2009. Moreover, this marks Bangladesh’s first Test win against the Windies, home or away, in six years.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh secured a commanding 101-run victory on the fourth day of the match at Sabina Park, Kingston. This win leveled the two-match series at 1-1.
West Indies faced a near-impossible task after Bangladesh’s second innings. To win, they needed to chase 287 runs, the highest-ever target at Sabina Park. Historically, no team had ever chased such a total at this venue.
West Indies couldn’t rise to the challenge, succumbing to the spin of Taijul Islam, who claimed his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The hosts were bowled out for just 185 runs in 50 overs.
Zakir Ali’s Heroics Lead Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s substantial lead was largely due to Zakir Ali’s exceptional performance. Starting the day at 193/5, Zakir played a brilliant knock, even as the lower-order batters struggled to provide support. He scored a career-best 91 runs off 106 balls, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes before being the last man out. Bangladesh ended their second innings at 268 in 59.5 overs.
With an 18-run lead from the first innings, Bangladesh set a target of 286 runs for West Indies. Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach each picked up three wickets, while Shamar Joseph claimed two.
Taijul Dominates the Windies Batting
West Indies, looking to counter-attack, faltered early. Taijul Islam struck first, dismissing Mckyle Louis for 8. Taskin Ahmed then removed Casey Carty for 14.
Though captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge tried to stabilize the innings, their 35-run partnership was short-lived. Taijul dismissed Brathwaite for 43, followed by the quick dismissal of Alick Athanaze.
Kavem Hodge fought hard, scoring 55 off 75 balls, but he too fell victim to Taijul. After his dismissal, no other batter could mount a significant challenge. The next highest score came from Justin Greaves, who managed only 20 runs.
West Indies collapsed from 143/4 to 185 all out. Alongside Taijul’s five wickets, Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed picked up two each, with Nahid Rana taking the remaining wicket.
Nahid Rana’s Breakthrough Performance
In the first innings, Nahid Rana’s career-best five-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting West Indies to 146 runs, giving Bangladesh an unexpected 18-run lead after their own modest total of 164.
Series Finale
The second and final Test of the series saw Bangladesh’s historic triumph in Jamaica. With this victory, the Tigers have once again proven their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure.
