West Indies Secure Commanding 201-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in Antigua Test
The West Indies broke a two-and-a-half-year drought of home Test victories with a resounding 201-run win over Bangladesh in Antigua. Bangladesh’s attempt to chase 334 ended at 132 for 9 on the fifth morning, as Alzarri Joseph’s fiery short-ball barrage forced No. 11 Shoriful Islam to retire hurt, bringing the game to an early conclusion.
Bangladesh’s Tail Crumbles Under Pressure
Bangladesh’s resistance lasted just seven overs on the final day. Alzarri Joseph removed Hasan Mahmud for a duck with an away-going delivery caught behind. Jaker Ali, who struck four boundaries in his 58-ball 31, fell lbw shortly after. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam endured relentless bouncers and sledging from the West Indies fielders before Shoriful’s injury ended the innings.
Bangladesh’s struggles mirrored their cautious first innings, where they declared at 269 for 9—181 runs behind the West Indies—likely to protect their tailenders from further short-ball damage.
Top-Order Woes for Bangladesh
The Bangladesh top order faltered yet again in the fourth innings. Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell in the first four overs, dismissed in almost identical fashion to their first innings dismissals. Kemar Roach’s incisive deliveries wreaked havoc, while Shamar Joseph also troubled the visitors, despite multiple dropped catches.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz battled hard, scoring 45 despite evident discomfort against the short ball, but the rest of the lineup crumbled, unable to withstand the disciplined West Indies attack.
West Indies Batters Dominate First Innings
The foundation for the West Indies’ win was laid in their first innings, where they declared at a formidable 450 for 9. Justin Greaves was the standout performer, scoring his maiden Test century during a six-hour vigil. His 140-run eighth-wicket stand with Kemar Roach, who made a career-best 47, rescued the hosts from 261 for 7 on the second morning.
Earlier, Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze set the tone with a 140-run partnership for the fourth wicket, both narrowly missing centuries. Louis fell for 97, while Athanaze contributed 92.
Bangladesh’s Bowlers Fight Back
Despite their first innings struggles, Bangladesh’s bowlers shone briefly in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed achieved career-best figures of 6 for 64, his maiden Test five-wicket haul, as the West Indies were bowled out for 152. However, the target of 334 proved insurmountable for Bangladesh’s struggling batters.
A Long-Awaited Triumph for West Indies
This emphatic win in Antigua marked the West Indies’ first home Test victory since 2022 and showcased their ability to dominate across all departments. With contributions from batters like Greaves and Louis, and bowlers like Roach, Joseph, and Seales, the team will look to carry this momentum forward in the series.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, faces tough questions about their batting frailties as they aim to regroup and recover from this heavy defeat.
