2nd T20I: Tanzid's 61 goes to waste as West Indies secure T20I series victory

Tanzid's 61 goes to waste as West Indies secure T20I series victory

West Indies vs Bangladesh: West Indies pulled off a narrow 14-run win over Bangladesh in a low-scoring but gripping T20 match. Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein’s masterclass restricted Bangladesh to 135 runs.

West Indies clinched a thrilling win over Bangladesh in Chattogram to seal the T20I series 2-0, ending a long drought of seven consecutive series defeats. Despite a dramatic batting collapse that saw them tumble from 106/1 to 149/9, their bowlers stepped up to defend the modest total and secure a memorable victory.

The innings began brightly for West Indies, with Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope leading the charge. Bangladesh missed early chances Brandon King was dropped first ball, and Athanaze survived a tough catch attempt. Athanaze smashed a six and five boundaries, while Hope added three fours and a six. Both batters reached their fifties off 30 balls and stitched together a 100-run partnership in just 10.5 overs, setting the stage for a big total.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Nasum Ahmed dismissed Athanaze in the 12th over. Sherfane Rutherford fell next ball for a golden duck, and soon after, Mustafizur Rahman removed Hope with a slower ball. Rishad Hossain then struck twice in the 15th over, removing Rovman Powell and Jason Holder, triggering a collapse. West Indies lost eight wickets for just 43 runs, with Romario Shepherd and Khary Pierre falling in the final over, and Akeal Hosein run out on the last ball.

In the chase, Bangladesh got off to a slow start, losing Saif Hassan early to Holder. Litton Das tried to lift the tempo with three boundaries in one over, but was bowled by Hosein for 23. Tanzid Hasan kept Bangladesh in the hunt with a well-made 61 off 48 balls, hitting three sixes and three fours. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to find rhythm or support him.

West Indies dropped several catches, but their bowlers kept the pressure on. Jayden Seales redeemed himself with a tumbling catch to dismiss Towhid Hridoy, and Shepherd struck twice in the 17th over, removing Tanzid and Jaker Ali. Holder bowled a tight 19th over, conceding just five runs and hitting the stumps of Shamim Hossain. With 21 needed off the final over, Hosein held his nerve, taking two wickets and giving away no boundaries to finish with figures of 3 for 22.

The win was a testament to West Indies’ resilience and bowling depth, as they defended a below-par total on a batting-friendly pitch with dew in play. It also marked a turning point for the team, ending a rough patch and giving them a much-needed series win.