Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test of the series, losing by 201 runs. The second Test didn’t start well either, with Bangladesh being bowled out for just 164 in the first innings. Yet, by the end of day three in Kingston, it’s Bangladesh who hold the upper hand.
In their second innings, Bangladesh leads by 211 runs with 5 wickets in hand. Statistically, Bangladesh is now on the path to victory in the Kingston Test. If they win, it will set a new record for most overseas Test wins in a calendar year for the team.
Let’s look at the numbers. The highest successful chase at Kingston is 212 runs, achieved by the West Indies against Sri Lanka in 2003. In fact, there have been only two instances where a team has chased more than 180 runs to win a Test at this venue.
Even if Bangladesh fails to add a single run on day four, the West Indies would need to equal the record for the highest chase at Kingston to win. While cricket is unpredictable, it’s hard to imagine Bangladesh losing all five remaining wickets without scoring at least a few runs.
At the close of day three, Zakir Ali and Taijul Islam were at the crease, with Mominul Haque still to bat. Chasing 200-plus on this Kingston pitch will be no easy feat for the West Indies. In the first innings, they were bundled out for just 146. Bangladesh’s 193 so far in the second innings has come largely through counter-attacking cricket, as the wicket remains tough for run-scoring.
Now, about the record. A victory in Kingston would give Bangladesh three overseas Test wins in 2024—the most in a calendar year for the team. Earlier this year, Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan in a two-Test series.
Previously, Bangladesh has never won more than two away Tests in a single year. The last time they managed two away wins was in 2009, also on West Indies soil.
Overall, Bangladesh has never won more than three Tests in a single year, achieved in 2014, 2018, and 2023. If they triumph in Kingston, 2024 will join this list of historic years for Bangladesh cricket.
