Bangladesh achieved a milestone by defeating the West Indies by 101 runs in the second Test at Sabina Park, tying the series 1-1. This win marked Bangladesh’s first Test triumph in the Caribbean in 15 years, breaking a seven-match losing streak.
The visitors set a target of 287 with over five sessions to play, but West Indies faltered, collapsing to 185 within two sessions. Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, lauded the bowlers, especially second-innings specialist Taijul Islam, who claimed five wickets to dismantle the hosts.
Taijul Islam Shines as West Indies Crumble
On a challenging pitch with uneven bounce, Taijul Islam proved to be the difference-maker. His 5-50, the best overseas figures of his career in over two years, dominated the West Indies batting lineup. The hosts began the chase positively, with skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scoring 43, but they failed to build sustainable partnerships.
Kavem Hodge offered resistance with a gritty 55, the only half-century for West Indies, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. Taijul, backed by Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana, took crucial wickets as the last six West Indies batters fell for just 42 runs.
Jaker Ali’s Heroics Propel Bangladesh
Earlier in the day, Jaker Ali’s career-best 91 was pivotal in setting a competitive target. Resuming on 193-5, Bangladesh added 75 runs in the morning, with Jaker contributing 62. Despite a blow to the helmet from Alzarri Joseph, Jaker displayed remarkable resilience, smashing five sixes and eight boundaries.
His aggressive knock frustrated the West Indies bowlers, particularly in the final overs of the innings. Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach eventually wrapped up the tail, but Jaker’s innings had already shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite admitted the need for consistent performances from their batting unit. For Bangladesh, this victory underlines their growing competitiveness in foreign conditions, highlighted by Taijul’s match-winning spell and Jaker’s impactful innings.
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