Clinical West Indies pip Bangladesh in 2nd T20I to register series-clinching win

West Indies continued their impressive run in Bangladesh, securing the T20I series with one match still to play after defeating the hosts by 14 runs in the second T20I at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. The visitors showed grit with both bat and ball, defending a modest total of 149/9 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze guide West Indies to competitive total

After opting to bat first, West Indies got off to a slow start when Brandon King fell cheaply for just one run. However, Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope steadied the innings with a solid 87-run partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive score. Athanaze was the aggressor, smashing 52 off 33 balls with five fours and three sixes, while Hope anchored the innings with a composed 55 from 36 deliveries, including three boundaries and as many sixes.

Despite the strong start, Bangladesh’s bowlers clawed their way back in the middle and death overs. Mustafizur Rahman led the charge with a superb spell of 3 for 21, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain chipped in with two wickets each to restrict the Windies to 149 for 9 in their 20 overs. The visitors lost quick wickets towards the end, managing just 32 runs in the final five overs.

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Tanzid’s fifty goes in vain as Bangladesh falter in chase

In reply, Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start as Saif Hassan departed early for just 5. Tanzid Hasan, however, played a lone hand at the top, displaying fine strokeplay in his 61-run knock off 48 balls, decorated with three fours and three sixes. Litton Das provided some support with 23 runs off 17 balls, but once the duo fell, Bangladesh’s innings lost momentum.

The middle order, featuring Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik, could not build substantial partnerships, leaving too much for the lower order to do in the final overs. Romario Shepherd proved to be the game-changer with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets for 29 runs, while Akeal Hosein’s accurate spell of 3 for 22 kept Bangladesh in check. Jason Holder also contributed with two wickets, ensuring the hosts finished at 135 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Shepherd’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award for his vital three-wicket haul that turned the game in West Indies’ favor. His clever variations and control in the death overs denied Bangladesh any late surge. With this win, West Indies have now taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, following their 16-run victory in the opening game. The final T20I promises to be a chance for Bangladesh to salvage pride, while the visitors will aim for a clean sweep to cap off a dominant tour performance.

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