West Indies started their T20I series with a commanding 16-run victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram on Monday. Captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell delivered crucial unbeaten knocks to help the visitors reach 165 for 3, before Jayden Seales and Jason Holder claimed six wickets between them to bowl out Bangladesh for 149 runs.
The match turned on its head when Hope and Powell added an unbroken 83-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Powell, playing his 100th T20I, smashed three consecutive sixes off Tanzim Hasan in the final over, helping West Indies score 51 runs in the last three overs. Bangladesh’s chase collapsed from 16 for 0 to 42 for 4 at the end of the powerplay, with left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein striking twice.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, SportsCafe
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 165 | 20.0 | 3 | Won by 16 runs |
| Bangladesh | 149 | 19.4 | 10 | Lost |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Hope | West Indies | Batsman (Captain) | 46* off 28 balls (4 sixes, 1 four) |
| Rovman Powell | West Indies | Batsman | 44* off 28 balls (4 sixes, 1 four) |
| Jayden Seales | West Indies | Bowler | 3/32 in 4 overs |
| Jason Holder | West Indies | Bowler | 3/31 in 4 overs |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | Bangladesh | Batsman | 33 off 27 balls (3 fours, 1 six) |
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, SportsCafe
Key Moments
- West Indies struggled early, scoring just 35 runs in the first six overs before Alick Athanaze (34) and Brandon King (33) provided a foundation
- Nasum Ahmed bowled a brilliant spell, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs to keep West Indies quiet through the middle overs
- Powell unleashed his power in the final over, hammering three consecutive sixes off Tanzim Hasan Sakib as West Indies added 22 runs including a wide
- Romario Shepherd took a stunning catch to dismiss Tanzid Hasan for 15, triggering Bangladesh’s collapse
- Akeal Hosein struck twice in the powerplay, including a blind catch to dismiss captain Litton Das for 5
- Towhid Hridoy (28) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (33) showed resistance but couldn’t prevent Bangladesh from falling shor
Match Analysis
West Indies looked set for a below-par total after managing just 114 for 3 after 17 overs, but Hope and Powell’s explosive finishing changed the game completely. The pair targeted Bangladesh’s death bowling with precision, particularly punishing Tanzim Hasan who conceded 47 runs in his four overs.
Bangladesh’s chase never recovered from the early damage inflicted by Hosein and Seales during the powerplay. The home side lost wickets at regular intervals and despite some late hitting from the lower order, the target proved too steep. Holder and Seales shared six wickets, with Hosein adding two crucial strikes in the powerplay.
What’s Next
West Indies will look to build on this momentum and take an unassailable 2-0 lead when the second T20I takes place at the same venue. Bangladesh, after winning the ODI series 2-1, will need to regroup quickly and address their batting collapse issues. The third and final T20I will also be played in Chattogram, giving both teams a chance to fine-tune their strategies on familiar conditions.