KINGSTOWN: Taskin Ahmed spearheaded a superb bowling effort as Bangladesh defended another modest total to claim a series-clinching 27-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20 International of a three-match series at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent on Tuesday.
Bangladesh, who had set a modest target of 130, bowled out the West Indies for just 102, with Taskin playing a starring role by taking three wickets for 16 runs. His crucial breakthroughs, including dismissing Akeal Hosein in the 19th over, ensured the tourists emerged victorious. Hosein threatened to turn the match around with his fighting 31 but fell to a sharp catch at backward-point.
Bangladesh’s Bowlers Dominate West Indies Lineup
The West Indies innings faltered early, with the team collapsing to 42 for six by the ninth over. Taskin, along with fellow seamer Tanzim Hasan Sakib and wrist-spinner Rishad Hossain, shared the wickets. Rishad made significant contributions, claiming two crucial scalps, including the dismissal of Roston Chase, who top-scored with 32.
Hosein and Chase offered some resistance with a 47-run partnership for the seventh wicket, but Rishad’s double blow—bowling Chase and dismissing Gudakesh Motie for a duck—shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favor.
Shamim Hossain’s Late Flourish Saves Bangladesh’s Innings
Earlier, Bangladesh struggled with the bat as well, slumping to 52 for five by the 11th over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s steady 26 and Jaker Ali’s 21 helped avoid a complete collapse. However, it was Shamim Hossain’s explosive batting that revived the innings.
Shamim smashed an unbeaten 35 off just 17 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. His 41-run unbroken partnership with Tanzim Hasan Sakib (9 not out) provided the much-needed late push to bring Bangladesh’s total to 129 for seven. Shamim’s impactful knock earned him the “Man of the Match” award.
West Indies Bowlers Shine Despite Defeat
The West Indies bowlers had earlier put up an impressive display, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returning the best figures of two for 25. However, their efforts went in vain as the batting lineup faltered under pressure from the disciplined Bangladeshi attack.
Bangladesh Eyes 3-0 Sweep in Final T20
With this victory, Bangladesh has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The two teams had shared the Test series 1-1 before Bangladesh swept the One-Day International series 3-0.
The final match of the T20 series is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday, where Bangladesh will aim for a clean sweep and complete a memorable tour of the Caribbean.
