Bangladesh Secures Historic Test Victory Against West Indies to Level Series
Click to start listening
Kingston, Dec 4 (NationPress) Bangladesh celebrated a landmark Test victory in the West Indies, marking their first win in the region in 15 years, triumphing by 101 runs in the second match held at Sabina Park.
Jaker Ali's aggressive 91 in the second innings set the West Indies a challenging target of 287 runs. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with a remarkable five-wicket haul, securing the win.
The seasoned spinner Taijul emerged as the star of the day, taking 5 wickets for 50 runs, marking his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. On an exciting fourth day, the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 185 runs in their second innings, allowing Bangladesh to achieve their first Test victory in the Caribbean since July 2009.
"It's a fantastic feeling to win a Test match overseas, which we don't do often, and all the players put in a great effort," said Player of the Match Taijul.
This victory also leveled the two-match series at 1-1 and propelled Bangladesh to eighth place in the updated ICC World Test Championship standings.
While Taijul received accolades for his impressive 5/50 during the West Indies' second innings, he was well-supported by his teammates in clinching Bangladesh's third Test victory abroad this year.
New fast bowler Nahid Rana (5-61) achieved his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket during the first innings, while pacer Taskin Ahmed exhibited commendable performance throughout, earning the title of joint Player of the Series. Jaker Ali also played a crucial role with his valuable innings of 91, setting the West Indies a target of 287 runs for victory, as reported by the ICC.
For the hosts, Kavem Hodge (55) and captain Kraigg Brathwaite (43) fought back, but Taijul struck at critical moments, ensuring Bangladesh's memorable win late on the fourth day, much to the joy of the spinner.
As the West Indies chased a target of 287, Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite began aggressively, reaching 23 runs in just four overs. However, Taijul's second delivery saw Louis dismissed, caught at short-leg after hitting the ball onto his boot. Brathwaite managed a few quick boundaries, but his partner Keacy Carty fell after a 43-ball stay, caught while attempting to drive Taskin.
Kavem Hodge and Kraigg Brathwaite added 35 runs, posing a threat with consistent boundaries. However, Taijul induced a sharp turn to dismiss Brathwaite, caught behind. Alick Athanaze followed quickly, missing a drive off Taijul. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul bowled in tandem until lunch, with no further wickets falling.
After the Tea break, Kavem Hodge reached his fifty but was dismissed LBW to a delivery that kept low. The West Indies then lost their last five wickets for a mere 29 runs. Taijul claimed three more wickets, including those of Justin Greaves and Joshua da Silva, completing his third five-wicket haul against the West Indies. Hasan and Nahid wrapped up the tail within two overs.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite lamented the late batting collapse in the first innings and the absence of significant partnerships during the run chase on the fourth day.
"We aimed to be positive and I believed we started well, but unfortunately, we couldn't maintain that until the end of the day," Brathwaite expressed.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 164 and 268 (Shadman Islam 64, Jaker Ali 91; Jayden Seales 4-5) defeated West Indies 146 and 185 (Kavem Hodge 55, Kraigg Brathwaite 43; Nahid Rana 5-61, Taijul Islam 5-50) by 101 runs.
