Bangladesh’s batting faltered as they lost the first T20 against West Indies.
None of Bangladesh’s specialist batsmen could take charge while chasing the target. A promising start of 12 runs in the first over quickly slipped away during the powerplay. Losing four wickets early put Bangladesh under pressure, and the middle order failed to step up. The lower order offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough. Liton Das’ side ultimately fell short against West Indies in Chattogram.
Playing in front of a full stadium, Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 while chasing 165, losing by 16 runs with just two balls to spare.
At 57 for 5, Bangladesh couldn’t even forge a 20-run partnership at any point. The first six batsmen combined for just 62 runs, leaving the chase in disarray.
The match had started with hope. Tanzid Hasan signaled a stormy start by hitting consecutive boundaries and six off Akil Hossain’s first over. However, he fell in the next over, pulled by Jaden Sills’ short-pitched delivery into a stunning catch by mid-on fielder Romario Shepherd.
Liton Das couldn’t reach double figures after returning from injury, giving a simple catch to Akil, while Saif Hassan’s innings ended after just one six. Shamim Hossain’s reckless shot led to his dismissal, and Nurul Hasan Sohan removed Khary Pierre, increasing Bangladesh’s troubles.
Bangladesh managed just 63 runs in the first 10 overs despite some fight from the lower order. Among them, Hriday scored 28 off 25 balls before being dismissed, showing glimpses of responsibility.
Then came the brief counterattack. Tanzim Hasan hit a six and two fours off Romario Shepherd’s over, while Nasum Ahmed added 13 runs from the final over bowled by left-arm spinner Pierre.
After 15 overs, Bangladesh were 111 for 6, needing 50 runs from 30 balls. But successive dismissals of Tanzim and Nasum in the next two overs caused the chase to unravel again. Tanzim, who had been part of the best partnership of the match (40 off 23 balls), was caught at the boundary. Nasum fell in a spectacular catch, ending hopes of a strong finish. The last-wicket pair of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman managed just 20 more runs.
Taskin went for a big shot in the final over and was caught at the gallery, failing to add to the score as his hit-wicket dismissal ended Bangladesh’s innings.
West Indies’ pace duo Jason Holder and Jaden Sills were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each.
Earlier, West Indies had started cautiously after winning the toss, with openers Alik Athanaze and Brandon King steadily building the innings. After a 35-run powerplay, the scoring rate increased, with Athanaze and King adding a 59-run partnership before Rishad Hossain bowled Athanaze. Athanaze scored 34 off 27 balls.
Captain Nicholas Pooran accelerated the scoring, while Taskin removed King (33) and Sherfen Ruderford in successive deliveries. Rovman Powell, playing his 100th T20, initially struggled but ended with a match-winning 44*.
In the final three overs, West Indies added 51 runs, largely due to Powell and Pooran, turning the game decisively in their favor.
Brief Score
- West Indies: 165/3 in 20 overs (Athanaze 34, King 33, Pooran 46*, Ruderford 0, Powell 44*; Nasum 4-0-15-0, Taskin 4-0-36-2, Tanzim 4-0-47-0, Mustafizur 4-0-24-0, Rishad 4-0-40-1)
- Bangladesh: 149 all out in 19.4 overs (Saif 8, Tanzid 15, Liton 5, Hriday 28, Shamim 1, Sohan 5, Tanzim 33, Nasum 20, Rishad 6, Taskin 10, Mustafizur 11*; Akil 4-0-22-2, Sills 4-0-32-3, Pierre 4-0-33-1, Holder 4-0-31-3, Shepherd 3.4-0-29-1)
Result: West Indies won by 16 runs
Man of the Match: Rovman Powell
