Bangladesh Break 15-Year Drought with Historic Win Over West Indies in Jamaica

Bangladesh Secure Historic Test Victory Over West Indies in Jamaica

Bangladesh ended a 15-year wait for a victory in the West Indies, defeating the hosts by 101 runs on Day 5 at Sabina Park, Jamaica. The visitors leveled the two-match Test series 1-1, powered by Jaker Ali’s counter-attacking 91 in the second innings and Taijul Islam’s stellar five-wicket haul (5-50).

Jaker Ali’s Fighting 91 Sets Up the Win

Starting the day on 29*, Jaker Ali led the Bangladesh innings with resilience and flair. Facing a barrage of bouncers from Alzarri Joseph, Jaker kept his composure, scoring boundaries off anything loose. Despite losing Taijul Islam and Mominul Haque at the other end, Jaker adapted his technique and launched a counterattack.

A stunning 18-run over against Joseph, which included two massive sixes, showcased Jaker’s determination to extend Bangladesh’s lead. However, with little support from the tail, his valiant knock ended at 91 when he pulled a short ball to deep mid-wicket. Bangladesh posted 268, setting West Indies a challenging target of 287.

Taijul Islam Spins a Web Around West Indies

The West Indies’ chase began positively, with Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite finding early boundaries. But Taijul Islam struck with his second ball, dismissing Louis, and opened the floodgates. Kraigg Brathwaite, after a solid start, fell to Taijul for 43, caught behind while attempting a drive.

Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty struggled against the spin duo of Taijul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, as Bangladesh tightened their grip. After Lunch, the resistance came from Kavem Hodge, who brought up a fighting fifty but was trapped LBW by a low delivery.

From 156 for 5, the West Indies collapsed dramatically, losing their final five wickets for just 29 runs. Taijul’s third five-wicket haul against the West Indies and supporting spells from Nahid Rana (5-61 in the first innings) and Hasan Mahmud sealed the historic win for Bangladesh.

Key Performers

Jaker Ali:
- Second innings: 91 off 134 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes.
- Anchored the innings despite losing partners, building a match-winning lead.
Taijul Islam:
- Match figures: 8 for 87.
- Took crucial wickets, including Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge, to dismantle the West Indies batting lineup.
Nahid Rana:
- First innings: 5 for 61.
- Broke the back of the West Indies’ top order in the first innings.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh: 164 (Shadman Islam 64, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 36; Jayden Seales 4-5) and 268 (Jaker Ali 91, Shadman Islam 46; Alzarri Joseph 3-77).
West Indies: 146 (Keacy Carty 40, Kraigg Brathwaite 39; Nahid Rana 5-61) and 185 (Kavem Hodge 55, Kraigg Brathwaite 43; Taijul Islam 5-50).

Implications for Bangladesh Cricket

This victory highlights Bangladesh’s growth as a competitive Test side away from home. The performances of emerging players like Jaker Ali and the consistent contributions from experienced campaigners like Taijul Islam underline a promising future.

For the West Indies, it’s a wake-up call as they head into their next series, with their inability to counter spin once again proving costly.