Bangladesh put in yet another determined performance to secure the T20 International series against West Indies, beating the hosts by 27 runs in the second match today at Arnos Vale in Kingstown, St Vincent.
The victory gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead and a first-ever series victory on Caribbean soil. Earlier in 2018, Bangladesh had won a T20I series against West Indies, but two of the three T20Is that Bangladesh won to seal the series were played in USA’s Florida.
Bangladesh bowlers once again were instrumental in the victory after their seven-run win in the first match.
On a Bangladesh-like slow pitch, Bangladesh were restricted to 129-7 but they defended the low total by dismissing West Indies for 102 in 18.5 overs.
Shamim Patwari, who played a key role in victory in the first match, stood tall once again with a 17 ball-35 not out which helped the side propel past 100. Patwari struck two fours and as many sixes.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz made 25 ball-26 after Bangladesh made a disastrous start by being reduced to 39-3. Stand-in captain Liton Das who promoted him as opener and Tanzid Hasan Tamim who came down as No.3 batter, were dismissed on single-digit figure.
Miraz and Jaker Ali resisted to some extent before Alzarri Joseph removed Miraz and Obd McCoy gave Bangladesh another blow with the wicket of Jaker who made 21 runs.
Gudakesh Motie further jolted Bangladesh, with double strike that saw him taking the wicket of Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan for single digit figure.
But Patwari came up with steely resolve to help give the total that still looked not safe for a victory.
However, the bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed, ripped through the West Indies batting lineup with ease to help the side confirm the series.
Taskin ended with 3-16 and put Bangladesh in a commanding position, striking twice with the prized scalps of Brandon King (8) and Andre Fletcher for a duck in his first spell. He later came back with fire to get rid of Akeal Hosein, who kept West Indies alive.
Akeal made a run-a-ball-31 with two sixes, but Taskin had him caught by Miraz to wrap up West Indies.
Roston Chase made 32 and Johnson Charles scored 14 to be the only other two apart from Akeal who could reach double digits.
Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets apiece to complement Taskin.
The third and final T20 is on Friday at the same venue, after which Bangladesh’s long tour in the West Indies will come to an end.
