Bangladesh Wins Historic Test Victory in the Caribbean in 15 Years
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam once again highlighted West Indies’ vulnerability to spin by grabbing five wickets as Bangladesh registered a historic 101-run victory over the home side on the fourth day of the second Test here at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
Test Victory
The Test victory was Bangladesh’s first since 2009 and tied the two-match series 1-1 to ensure that the West Indies would end the year without a Test series win.
Taijul’s Masterclass
While the fast bowlers did the damage in the West Indies first innings, it was the 32-year-old Taijul who created havoc this time around, finishing with 5-50 – his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests – as the home side was bundled out for 185 in pursuit of 287 for victory.
Pacemen’s Early Success
After being dismissed for 268 just before lunch, Bangladesh’s captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz surprisingly chose not to introduce first-innings destroyer Nahid Rana into the attack in the five overs before lunch, opting for pacers Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed.
West Indies’ Struggle
West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis navigated them without much alarm, racing to 23 without loss after four overs. The decision to introduce Taijul into the attack in the final over before the break proved to be genius, as Louis’ attempt to dig out a quicker delivery directed at the middle and leg stump resulted in the ball ricocheting onto his boot and into the air where Shahadat Hossain, who was fielding at short leg, jumped forward to take the catch.
Brathwaite’s Aggressive Play
After lunch, Brathwaite and Keacy Carty kept the runs ticking. Brathwaite was uncharacteristically aggressive, driving Mahmud through cover for four and then walking down the wicket to hit Taijul over long on for a rare six. But just as it appeared the two batsmen were getting on top of the bowling, Ahmed produced a gem of a delivery that beat Carty and brushed the outside of his bat on the way through to the wicketkeeper to leave the score 57 for two.
Fall of Wickets
Kavem Hodge and Brathwaite then added 35 runs in brisk time before Brathwaite, who scored 43, was undone by a ripper of a delivery from Taijul that bounced and spun before hitting the outside edge of his bat and lobbing up in the air for Mahmudul Hasan Joy to take a good catch running from slip and diving to his right. Alick Athanaze never seemed settled during his brief stay at the crease, and Taijul took full advantage of that by bowling the left-hander through the gate as he attempted an expansive drive through the offside, as the West Indies slipped to 106 for four.
Final Session
The end came swiftly for the West Indies in the final session, with only Hodge, who duly completed his third Test half-century, putting up any resistance, as they lost their final six wickets for 52 runs. Hodge was the first to go after scoring 55 from 75 balls. He played back to a full delivery from Taijul and was plumb lbw. Greaves was bowled for 20 by a delivery that was kept low from Ahmed, and Joshua DaSilva was trapped lbw by Taijul to make the score 164 for seven.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, and Taijul’s five-wicket haul was the icing on the cake. The Caribbean side will have to regroup and come back stronger in the next series.
FAQs
- When was Bangladesh’s last Test victory in the Caribbean before this match?
Ans: 2009 - Who was the star of the show for Bangladesh in this match?
Ans: Taijul Islam - How many wickets did Taijul take in this match?
Ans: 5 - What was the margin of victory for Bangladesh?
Ans: 101 runs
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