Cricket Highlights, Nov 30 – Dec 03: Bangladesh tour of West Indies (2nd Test) – Bangladesh vs West Indies

BAN vs WI (2nd Test) – Highlights

In a thrilling Test match, BAN triumphed over the WI by 101 runs in the second Test of their series, leveling the series 1-1. This victory marked Bangladesh’s first Test win in the West Indies in 15 years, a significant achievement for the side. After a heavy defeat in the first Test in Antigua, the visitors bounced back in remarkable fashion, demonstrating resilience and skill in what was a thrilling contest.

Bangladesh posted scores of 264 in their first innings and 268 in their second, setting a challenging target for the West Indies. The hosts, however, were bowled out for 146 in the first innings, and despite a valiant fight in the second innings, they were dismissed for 185, handing Bangladesh the victory.

Bangladesh’s first innings total of 264 was built on solid contributions from Shadman Islam (64) and Jaker Ali (91), but their innings was largely dominated by West Indies’ bowler Jayden Seales. Seales put on a memorable display with the ball, taking a remarkable 4 wickets for just 5 runs, including the key dismissals of both Shadman and Jaker, as well as others in Bangladesh’s middle order. 

This performance from Seales was one of the highlights of the match, as he became the central figure in Bangladesh’s batting collapse, restricting them to just 264 in what was a challenging start for the visitors. 

His performance, however, came with a hint of irony, as Seales’ later spell in the third innings, when Bangladesh recovered, was far less effective. Despite Seales’ brilliance, West Indies’ bowling lacked consistency throughout the match, with only Roach and Joseph offering a semblance of control.

The West Indies’ first innings was a poor showing, ending in just 146 runs. Despite a promising start, with openers Kraigg Brathwaite (39) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul providing steady opening partnerships, the middle order fell apart under pressure from Bangladesh’s bowlers. West Indies’ batting lineup couldn’t deal with the spin of Taijul Islam and the pace of Rana and Mahmud.

Rana, who had been a key performer with the ball, played a pivotal role, claiming five wickets for 61 in the first innings. His performance was especially important, as it shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor after they had initially struggled with the bat.

Taijul’s performance was a turning point, as he took crucial wickets, including Brathwaite, the West Indies captain. He also dismissed Alick Athanaze, who had looked uncomfortable against Taijul’s sharp turn. 

The WI batsmen were repeatedly dismissed by deliveries that either turned sharply or kept low, and they lacked the discipline to counter the bowling. Taijul’s five-wicket haul was a testament to his skill and resilience in foreign conditions, as this was his first-ever five-wicket performance in the Caribbean, adding an extra layer of significance to his achievement.

After an underwhelming first innings, Bangladesh’s batting in the second innings was a much-needed revival. This resurgence was largely due to the brilliance of Jaker Ali, who struck a fiery 91, counter-attacking with sixes and fours, and playing a significant role in expanding Bangladesh’s lead. 

His knock was nothing short of extraordinary, with 5 sixes and 8 fours, including a superb display in the morning session of Day 4 when he scored 62 runs out of Bangladesh’s 75 runs in just that session alone. His aggressive approach gave the West Indies bowlers little respite, and Bangladesh’s lead surged past 200.

Jaker’s knock came after a somewhat rocky start to the innings, where he was struck on the helmet by Alzarri Joseph, leading to a delay in play as the physio assessed his condition due to a history of concussions. This scare, however, didn’t deter him, and once back in action, he launched an attack on the West Indies bowlers..

While Jaker’s knock was the highlight, it wasn’t without its drama. Bangladesh’s tail had been exposed after quick wickets fell around him, including the dismissals of Mehidy Hasan, Taijul, and Mominul Haque. With the score still not far from the target, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order showed composure to stay alive long enough for Jaker to unleash his full attacking potential.

West Indies’ chase of 419 runs in the final innings started with an early blow when Mikyle Louis was dismissed by Taijul. The visitors gained an early breakthrough, but West Indies fought back with a partnership between Brathwaite and Hodge, who looked determined to set up a fightback. Brathwaite, the West Indies captain, showed his class, picking up boundaries, and even launching Taijul for a six. 

Hodge, meanwhile, looked solid at the crease, playing shots off both Rana and Taskin Ahmed. His fifty came at a crucial time for West Indies, but his dismissal to Taijul, trapped LBW, put an end to their hopes.

Taskin Ahmed and Mahmud also joined the wicket-taking parade, with Mahmud taking key wickets in the latter stages of the West Indies’ innings. Mahmud’s timely wickets included the dismissal of Alzarri Joseph, which brought Bangladesh to the brink of victory. As the innings faltered and the West Indies’ tail collapsed, it was fitting that Rana would get the final wicket, dismissing Shamar with a well-executed yorker, sealing the 101-run victory for BAN.

Bangladesh vs West Indies Scoreboard

Bangladesh – 164 & 268

West Indies – 146 & 185

Result – Bangladesh won by 101 runs

Player of the match – Taijul Islam

BAN vs WI Playing XIs

Bangladesh

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das(WK), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

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

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.