Taijul Islam Leads Bangladesh to Series-Equalizing Victory Over West Indies

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Taijul Islam captured five wickets for the 15th time in his Test career, steering Bangladesh to a convincing 101-run victory over the West Indies on the fourth evening of the second and final Test at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

Following Jaker Ali’s impressive innings of 91, which propelled the tourists to a total of 268 in their second innings, the West Indies faced a challenging target of 287 runs. Islam’s exceptional performance dismantled the Caribbean batting lineup, as he claimed five wickets for just 50 runs, leading to their collapse at 185 during the final session of play.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana, who had previously made a significant impact with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, sealed the win by dismissing last man Shamar Joseph, marking his only wicket of the innings. “It’s a great feeling to win a Test match abroad, which we don’t often do, and all the boys really put in a tremendous effort,” remarked the player of the match, Islam.

Seamers Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud contributed with two wickets each, with Taskin finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series, claiming 11 scalps in total.

Kavem Hodge was the top scorer for the West Indies, managing 55 runs, while captain Kraigg Brathwaite played aggressively to score 43 off 63 balls. However, the West Indies struggled with consistent setbacks, ultimately bowing out in just 50 overs. This victory allowed Bangladesh to avenge the 201-run defeat they suffered in the first Test in Antigua just a week earlier.

Earlier in the match, Jaker Ali’s explosive innings, which spanned 106 balls and included eight fours and five sixes, significantly tilted the balance in favor of Bangladesh. His performance was especially remarkable, contributing 62 of the 75 runs added by the team after resuming play at an overnight score of 193-5.

Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach each took three wickets for the West Indies, with Joseph ending Ali’s quest for a maiden Test century, dismissing him just before lunch at deep midwicket.