WI vs BAN (1st Test) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 1st Test match between WI and BAN, held in North Sound from November 22 to 26, 2024, as part of Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies. The game showcased the home side’s resilience and dominance, culminating in a 201-run victory. From an impressive first-innings total to a clinical bowling performance in the fourth innings, the West Indies outclassed Bangladesh in every department, setting the tone for an exciting series.
The first Test between West Indies and Bangladesh in North Sound saw the hosts secure a commanding 201-run victory.West Indies posted a strong 450/9 declared in their first innings, thanks to contributions from their top and middle order. Bangladesh responded with 269/9 declared, narrowly missing the follow-on target. In their second innings, WI set a daunting target of 334, scoring 152 quickly.
Chasing the stiff target, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 132, handing the West Indies a comprehensive win. The match highlighted the home team’s dominance in both batting and bowling.
The West Indies’ first innings in the North Sound Test against Bangladesh was a remarkable display of resilience and strategic batting, culminating in a commanding total of 450/9 declared. After a shaky start, with both Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and Keacy Carty (0) falling early to Taskin Ahmed, the team recovered through a determined knock by Mikyle Louis (97). Louis anchored the innings, facing 218 balls and hitting 9 boundaries before falling just short of a century, leaving the team at 224/4.
Alick Athanaze (90) brought momentum with a brisk innings laced with 10 fours and a six, while Justin Greaves (115 not out) stood out as the backbone of the innings. Greaves displayed remarkable patience and skill, forming crucial partnerships with the lower order to propel the score. Kemar Roach (47) played a valuable supporting role, frustrating the bowlers with his gritty defense. Contributions from Jayden Seales (18) and Shamar Joseph (11 not out) further consolidated the total.
On the bowling front, Hasan Mahmud shone for Bangladesh, claiming 3/87 and consistently troubling the batters. Taskin Ahmed (2/76) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/99) provided timely breakthroughs, while Taijul Islam (1/111) and Shoriful Islam added control. Despite their efforts, the West Indies’ measured approach and partnerships allowed them to set a daunting target.
Bangladesh’s first innings in the North Sound Test was marked by a determined yet slow-paced batting display, resulting in a total of 269/9 declared. The innings saw contributions from multiple players but lacked the momentum to challenge the West Indies’ imposing first-innings total.
The openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (5) and Zakir Hasan (15), fell early to Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph, leaving BAN struggling at 21/2. Mominul Haque (50) anchored the innings with a gritty half-century, striking three boundaries in his 116-ball knock. He found some support from Shahadat Hossain (18) and Litton Das (40), but both were dismissed before building substantial partnerships.
Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (23) and lower-order batter Jaker Ali (53) provided much-needed stability. Jaker’s fifty, featuring four boundaries, was a standout performance, helping push the score past 200. Taijul Islam (25) also played a crucial role, ensuring the tail contributed effectively. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing Bangladesh from gaining control.
Alzarri Joseph led the attack with figures of 3/69, using his pace and bounce to trouble the batters.Jayden Seales (2/42) and Justin Greaves (2/34) provided crucial breakthroughs, while Kemar Roach (1/30) and Shamar Joseph (1/55) chipped in with key dismissals.The West Indies bowlers maintained tight lines, restricting the scoring rate to 2.74 runs per over, which played a significant role in keeping Bangladesh under pressure.
Despite a few valiant efforts, Bangladesh’s innings fell short of the follow-on mark, allowing the hosts to maintain a firm grip on the match. The West Indies extended their lead with a second-innings total of 152, though their batting lacked stability against Bangladesh’s determined bowlers. Kraigg Brathwaite (23) started steadily, but Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam’s early breakthroughs left the hosts at 39/3.
Alick Athanaze (42) held the innings together with seven boundaries, but his dismissal by Mehidy Hasan Miraz triggered a collapse. Lower-order contributions from Joshua Da Silva (22 off 18) and Alzarri Joseph (17) pushed the total past 150. Taskin Ahmed delivered a career-best performance, taking 6/64, supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/31) and Shoriful Islam (1/9).
Chasing a target of 334, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure, managing only 132. Early strikes from Kemar Roach (3/20) and Jayden Seales (3/45) left them reeling at 23/4. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided some resistance with a brisk 45, hitting five boundaries and a six, while Jaker Ali chipped in with 31.
However, the rest of the lineup faltered, with Alzarri Joseph (2/32) and Shamar Joseph (1/22) ensuring the West Indies completed a dominant win. Despite Taskin Ahmed’s heroics and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s valiant efforts, Bangladesh fell short, underlining West Indies’ superior performance across all departments.
West Indies vs Bangladesh Scoreboard
West Indies – 450/9d & 152
Bangladesh– 269/9d & 132
Result – West Indies won by 201 runs
Player of the Match – Justin Greaves
WI vs BAN Playing XI
West Indies
Kraigg Brathwaite(C), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva(WK), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph.
Bangladesh
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das(WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam.
Disclaimer: This Highlight is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.