Table of Contents
Chattogram (Sports Desk) – West Indies skipper Shai Hope led from the front with a calm yet explosive innings, guiding his side to a 16-run win over Bangladesh in the opening T20I. Backed by Rovman Powell’s powerful hitting in his 100th T20I, the visitors turned what looked like a modest total into a match-winning score of 165 for 3, before bowling out Bangladesh for 149.
It was a contest that swung dramatically — from Bangladesh’s disciplined start with the ball to West Indies’ late surge and then the hosts’ collapse in the powerplay that sealed their fate.
Nasum’s Control Stifles Windies Early
Bangladesh began impressively after winning the toss. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed was the standout, conceding only 15 runs from his four overs. His control in the middle overs kept the visitors from breaking free, forcing Hope and company to bide their time.
Brandon King and Alick Athanaze started cautiously, each striking a single six as they built a steady stand. Athanaze (34) fell to Rishad Hossain, missing a reverse sweep, while King (33) departed soon after, caught at deep square leg off Taskin Ahmed.
Taskin then struck again, removing Sherfane Rutherford for a first-ball duck. At that stage, the Windies were struggling to find momentum. Nasum continued to strangle the scoring, ending his spell in the 15th over with the scoreboard reading a cautious 104 for 3.
Hope and Powell Ignite Late Fireworks
With the innings slowing down, Hope and Powell decided to unleash. The West Indies skipper took on Rishad Hossain, smashing two sixes to shift momentum. From there, the fireworks began.
Hope struck four sixes in total, including one massive hit off Taskin’s overpitched delivery in the 18th. Powell, celebrating his 100th T20I, found his rhythm late but in destructive fashion — hammering three consecutive sixes off Tanzim Hasan in the final over.
His sequence — a full-toss launch, followed by two clean strikes straight down the ground — sent the visiting dugout roaring. The pair’s unbroken 83-run stand in just 7 overs transformed the innings, adding 51 runs in the final three overs.
West Indies, once looking short of par, suddenly surged to a competitive 165 for 3. Hope remained unbeaten on 46 off 28 balls, while Powell blazed 44 off 28*, both striking four sixes and a boundary each.
Bangladesh Crumble in the Powerplay
In reply, Bangladesh started aggressively but imploded under pressure. Tanzid Hasan looked promising before falling to Romario Shepherd, who took a stunning catch running back from mid-on.
Then came the spin squeeze. Akeal Hosein dismissed Litton Das, who popped a simple return catch after hesitating mid-shot. In the very next over, Hosein trapped Saif Hassan at short fine leg with a mistimed sweep.
By the fifth over, Bangladesh were in deep trouble at 42 for 4, as Jason Holder clipped the off bail of Shamim Hossain with a peach of a delivery. The top order’s collapse left Bangladesh’s lower order exposed far too early.
Tanzim and Nasum Lead a Late Fightback
Bangladesh’s resistance came through an unlikely duo — Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nasum Ahmed. The pair stitched a gritty 40-run partnership for the seventh wicket, offering brief hope. Tanzim’s 33 off 27 balls, including a six and three fours, injected energy into the fading chase.
However, just when the partnership started to threaten, Holder struck again, having Tanzim caught at deep point in the 16th over. Nasum followed soon after, falling to Jayden Seales, who was impressive with his pace and control.
Holder (3 for 31) and Seales (3 for 32) ensured there would be no miracle comeback. Hosein finished with 2 wickets, while Khary Pierre chipped in with one.
The innings ended in comical fashion — Taskin Ahmed stepped on his own stumps in the final over after briefly reviving hopes with a massive six off Holder in the 18th. Bangladesh were dismissed for 149, falling 16 runs short of the target.
A Winning Start for the Windies
For West Indies, it was a perfect start to the series — disciplined with the ball, sharp in the field, and powerful in the finish. Captain Hope praised his bowlers’ adaptability and Powell’s milestone performance after the match.
With this win, West Indies lead the three-match T20I series 1-0, setting the stage for a high-intensity second game. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will have to address their top-order fragility and find a way to counter the Windies’ varied attack.
