Contrary to the pre-match opinion regarding the pitch conditions, the West Indians feasted on a fast, bouncy track against the touring Bangladeshi side.

It was undoubtedly a humiliating start for Bangladesh, as they were bowled out for their lowest ever total in Test matches. Shakib al Hasan’s side could manage only 43 runs and were taken aback by Kemar Roach’s fiery pace coupled with the extra zealous zip of bounce that the track offered. Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib, and Mahmudullah failed to register even a single run on the board, as Roach dismissed all three of them to break the backbone of the Bangladeshi batting order. Liton Das tried to show some perseverance, but could not succeed in the longer run and the whole batting order fell apart within the course of 19 overs itself.

West Indies replied strongly, scoring a mammoth 406 runs with Kraige Brathwaite notching a century whilst opening the batting. Devon Smith and Shai Hope got past the fifty runs mark, and that helped West Indies to gain a huge lead of 363 runs. Abu Jayed and Mehidy Hasan took three wickets each, but that wasn’t convincing enough to halt the West Indian juggernaut.

Roach was unable to bowl in the second innings due to a hamstring niggle, however, Sharron Gabriel picked up a fifer to ensure that Bangladesh didn’t stage a revival in the second innings. Nurul Hasan scored 64 runs, but the top and the middle order collectively failed to stitch any valuable partnerships. Eventually, Bangladesh succumbed by being bowled out at 144 runs, much lesser that what was needed for them to stay alive in the game.

West Indies won by an innings and 219 runs, which would be a huge morale-booster for them going into the second test. From Bangladesh’s perspective, Shakib’s team needs to regroup and try to better upon their shambolic performance in the first test.

 

Score:

WI - 406