BAN vs WI: On December 17, Bangladesh created history by beating the West Indies by 27 runs in the second T20 match of the series at St. Vincent. The series now stands at 2-0 in favor of Bangladesh, and they are now just one win away from sweeping the three-match series.
Bangladesh Sets a Modest Target
Batting first in the second T20, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 129 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Despite a slow start, the Bangladesh side found their momentum towards the end, largely due to a blistering innings from Shamim Hussain.
Shamim Hussain’s explosive 35* runs from just 17 balls provided the much-needed acceleration to Bangladesh’s innings. His rapid-fire knock included 2 fours and 2 sixes which his side set a plausible target for West Indies.
Apart from Hussain, Mehdi Hasan Miraz scored 26 runs, whereas Zaker Ali scored 21 runs and added stability to the Bangladesh innings. Due to frequent fall of wickets, the overall total was below par, while the team failed to get the most out of a good opening.
West Indies Collapse While Chasing
Chasing a modest target of 130 runs, West Indies had little to answer the fierce Bangladesh bowling attack. Their batting lineup collapsed under pressure, and they were bundled out for just 102 runs in 18.4 overs, falling short by 27 runs.
The regular fall of wickets was the biggest obstacle for the hosts, as they struggled to build any meaningful partnerships.
Roston Chase was the highest scorer of the West Indies with 32 runs but had no support from his teammates. Akeel Hussain gave some hope with his knock of 31 runs, and Johnson Charles came in with 14 runs.
After these three batsmen, no other batsman of the West Indians could cross double figures. With nothing significant from the lower order, the West Indies never really were in the game.
Bangladesh’s Bowlers Shine
The bowling by Bangladesh was the actual performer of the match as every one of them contributed a lot in the overall winning performance. Taskin Ahmed was the man who had broken all the important partnerships and got 3 wickets.
Along with him, Tanjim Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehdi Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hussain all took two wickets apiece. That was a well-balanced bowling attack that kept the West Indies batsmen in check throughout the innings. The two wickets Hasan Mahmud took also helped Bangladesh to strengthen their grip on the match.
The total of 3 maidens from the Bangladesh bowlers showed the tight lines they maintained and their disciplined lengths during the game. It remained tight for them as a team because they kept constantly bowling in the right areas. It forced the West Indies to be mistaken, and the entire situation became a downfall against them.
Bangladesh Leads by 2-0 In BAN vs WI T20 Series
Bangladesh takes a 2-0 lead in the series as it has won the second T20. There is one game left to be played and Bangladesh has already won the first match, which was a very closely contested one, by 7 runs.
The third and final BAN vs WI T20 will be played on December 19 in St. Vincent. West Indies will be hoping to avoid a series whitewash, but Bangladesh’s clinical performance in the first two matches has left them in a commanding position.
The final BAN vs WI match will be a chance for the West Indies to regroup and attempt to salvage some pride. However, Bangladesh’s all-around dominance so far makes them the clear favorites to claim a series sweep.
Bangladesh’s win in the second BAN vs WI T20 is a testament to all-round performance, as the bowlers played a crucial role in their 27-run win. West Indies failed to put up a good fight with the bat, but Bangladesh’s lethal bowling attack made sure that the hosts never had a chance to chase down the target.
With the series already in hand, the last T20 will be a thrilling end to what has been an intense and thrilling contest between the two teams.
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