Bangladesh cricket team rewrote history on Friday, defeating West Indies by a massive 80 runs in the third and final T20I in the three-match series at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent. With the victory, Litton Das-led side completed a first-ever series whitewash against the two-time T20 World Cup champions and that too on their home turf.
Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali smashed a whirlwind unbeaten 72 to power the visitors to an impressive 189 for 7 in 20 over. Ali, reprieved on 18 after a run-out call was overturned, made the most of his second chance by smashing six sixes and three fours in a 41-ball knock. His explosive innings guided Bangladesh to a formidable total of 189 for seven after captain Litton Das opted to bat first.
A historic moment for Bangladesh cricket
The Bangla Tigers finished their Caribbean tour in clinical fashion as they whitewashed the West Indies in T20Is for the first time. #WIvBANonFanCode pic.twitter.com/6zAkRUY7SY
— FanCode (@FanCode) December 20, 2024
The West Indies, already beaten in the first two low-scoring games at the same venue, were never in contention for a consolation win. Brandon King fell to the second ball of the chase, and the hosts crumbled to 109 all out in just 16.4 overs. All-rounder Romario Shepherd top-scored with 33, but the innings lacked any significant resistance.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were relentless, with wrist-spinner Rishad Hossain taking 3 for 21. Mahedi Hasan, named ‘Man of the Series’, and seamer Taskin Ahmed, who struck with the first wicket and delivered the final blow by bowling Obed McCoy, claimed two wickets each.
“We played really well in Test cricket and ODI also, unfortunately we did not win but we had the confidence. We know we have a very good bowling wicket and if we score well, we have the bowling to defend,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das said.
“At the moment their batting order is better, they have powerhitters and we defended 190, it’s a big achievement. At the moment we played really well, whenever we play again, we need to play well and come back strongly,” he added.
Debutant opener Parvez Hossain Emon, stepping in for the injured Soumya Sarkar, set the tone with a quickfire 39 off 21 balls. However, it was Ali, the “Man of the Match,” who stole the show with a fearless display of power-hitting.
Ali’s innings could have ended early following a mix-up with Shamim Hossain, resulting in what appeared to be a run-out at the striker’s end. Believing a second run was on, Ali was visibly furious when Shamim returned to the same end, and bowler Roston Chase seemed to complete the dismissal. However, replays revealed Ali had narrowly made his ground, sparing him and sending Shamim back to the pavilion instead.
Despite the drama, the pair reconciled by the end of the innings, with Shamim being the first to celebrate Ali’s heroic effort. His late surge drained any remaining fight from a deflated West Indies side, capping a memorable performance by Bangladesh.
