Bangladesh secured a thrilling Test victory on the fourth day of the second and final Test at Sabina Park in the West Indies on Tuesday.
A strong outstanding performance led by Taijul Islam and Zaker Ali Anik helped Bangladesh clinch this victory after ending a 15-year wait for a Test win in the Caribbean.
Nahid Rana had turned the tide. Zaker Ali laid the foundation with his bat. And Taijul Islam finished the job. Everyone contributed along the way.
In the final match of the two-test series in Kingston, Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by 101 runs. Tigers were bowled out for 164 in their first innings, while the West Indies were dismissed for 146. Bangladesh scored 268 in their second innings. Set a target of 287, the West Indies were all out for 185.
Bangladesh began the fourth day with 193 runs for five wickets. The previous day had been overwhelming for them, with Nahid Rana taking five wickets and the batters providing solid support. Bangladesh's hopes for victory were high.
On the final day, Zaker Ali Anik was a cornerstone for Bangladesh, though the other batters at the other end kept getting out. The day began with Taijul Islam, who formed a 34-run partnership with Zaker off 95 balls before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, caught for 14 runs off 50 balls.
Mominul Haque, who had not batted the previous day due to illness, came in at number eight and was dismissed for a duck, caught in the slip. Even after his dismissal, Zaker remained a key hope for Bangladesh, reaching his half-century.
He hit a six off the 80th ball to complete his fifty. Shortly after, Hasan Mahmud was dismissed for a duck, caught by Kemar Roach in the slip, and Taskin Ahmed was bowled out for zero.
As wickets fell, Zaker grew more aggressive, reaching the "nervous nineties." However, he was dismissed for 91, caught off Joseph while attempting a six. Despite his dismissal, his innings remained memorable. After his departure, Bangladesh was all out, but the score was in a good position.
During the West Indies' chase, they lost their first wicket within five overs before the lunch break. Mehedi Hasan Miraz made a smart move, bringing Taijul Islam into the attack, and Taijul dismissed Micahel Lewis, who was caught by Shahadat Hossain Dipu at short leg.
The West Indies tried to settle in after lunch, with Carlos Brathwaite leading from the front. However, Taskin Ahmed dismissed Keacy Carty, who was caught behind for 14 runs.
Taijul Islam then dismissed the West Indies' main resistance, Carlos Brathwaite, who was caught by Joy in the slip after scoring 43 off 63 balls. Taijul took another wicket in the next over, sending back Athanaze, bowled out for 5 off 6 balls.
After the tea break, Taijul took his fourth wicket, dismissing Kavem Hodge, who scored the highest runs for the West Indies – 55 off 75 balls.
Taijul then completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Joshua da Silva. This was his 15th career five-wicket haul. After taking the remaining three wickets, Bangladesh proceeded to the victory without much delay.
This victory brings great relief to Bangladesh. It marks their first Test win in the West Indies since 2009 and the first in six years overall. Mehedi Hasan Miraz also experienced his first Test victory as a captain.
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
