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The three-match T20 International series between the two cricketing rivals commenced with a sensational encounter, as West Indies successfully defended a challenging total to defeat Bangladesh by 16 runs in the WI vs BAN 1st T20 in Chattogram. This highly anticipated match sets a fiery tone for the remainder of the 2025-26 series, offering a much-needed lift for the Caribbean side against a dominant Bangladesh unit at home.
The full WI vs BAN T20 scorecard reveals a story of West Indian power-hitting prevailing over a spirited, but ultimately insufficient, Bangladeshi chase.
Powell and Hope Power West Indies to 165/3
The match, held at the Bir Shrestho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, saw West Indies captain Shai Hope win the toss and elect to bat first on a pitch that offered variable pace. The visitors struggled for fluency early on, with openers Alick Athanaze (34 off 27) and Brandon King (33 off 36) building a solid but slow foundation. The middle overs proved challenging, especially when Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed struck twice in quick succession to dismiss King and Sherfane Rutherford, leaving the Windies precariously placed at 82/3 in the 13th over.
However, the late flourish, which is the hallmark of west indies vs bangladesh cricket, came from the experienced duo of Shai Hope and Player of the Match, Rovman Powell. The pair stabilized the innings before unleashing a brutal assault in the final six overs. Rovman Powell, celebrating his 100th T20I appearance, smashed a magnificent 44 not out off just 28 deliveries, finding the boundary rope five times. Matching his intensity, captain Shai Hope remained unbeaten on a blistering 46 off 28 balls. Their 83-run partnership ensured the West Indies vs Bangladesh scorecard showed a competitive total of 165/3 by the end of their 20 overs.
For the hosts, Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with excellent figures of 2/36, while spinner Rishad Hossain claimed the key wicket of Athanaze.
Bangladesh’s Chase Derailed by Early Collapse
Chasing 166, Bangladesh needed a solid start but instead faced a dramatic collapse orchestrated by the disciplined Caribbean bowlers. The opening salvo by the wi vs ban t20 specialists, Akeal Hosein and Jayden Seales, dismantled the top order. Young opener Tanzid Hasan offered a brief burst of fireworks, scoring 15 off five balls at a strike rate of 300 before falling to Jayden Seales.
Bangladesh found themselves in dire straits at 41/4 within the Powerplay. The middle order failed to withstand the pressure applied by the Windies’ tight lengths and fielding. Towhid Hridoy (28 off 25) attempted a measured recovery, but the required rate kept climbing.
The only significant resistance came late in the innings from all-rounder Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who fought valiantly to score 33 off 27 deliveries, and Nasum Ahmed (20 off 13). They pushed the match deeper than many expected, but the steady fall of wickets meant the pressure was insurmountable. Despite the late lower-order hitting, Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs. The final west indies vs bangladesh scorecard reflected the 16-run margin of victory for the visitors.
West Indies Bowlers Seal the Series Lead
The West Indies bowling unit performed brilliantly as a cohesive unit, demonstrating why the Caribbean side remains a formidable force in the shortest format. Fast bowler Jayden Seales was outstanding, claiming 3/39, including the late wickets that finished off the lower order. Veteran Jason Holder provided the crucial middle-overs breakthroughs, finishing with 3/31. Akeal Hosein was particularly economical and damaging, snatching 2 wickets in the Powerplay to cripple the Bangladeshi chase early on.
This victory not only grants the West Indies a crucial 1-0 lead in the T20 series but also provides a major boost of confidence after their recent struggles. For Bangladesh, they must regroup quickly and address their batting inconsistencies, particularly against quality pace and spin in the crucial Powerplay phase, before the second T20I. Rovman Powell's dual role—providing late-innings stability with the bat and leading with aggressive intent—earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable 100th appearance.
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