Hasan Mahmud delivered an exceptional final over to secure Bangladesh’s thrilling seven-run victory over the West Indies in the opening T20 International of a three-match series at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent on Sunday.
Defending a target of 146 for seven, Bangladesh seemed on the verge of defeat as West Indies captain Rovman Powell unleashed a powerful innings, smashing 60 off 35 balls with five fours and four sixes. Powell’s explosive performance lifted the hosts from a precarious 61 for seven in the 12th over to the brink of a stunning win.
Powell formed a crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 68 off 38 balls with all-rounder Romario Shepherd (22), shifting the momentum in favor of the West Indies. Even after Shepherd’s dismissal in the 19th over, Powell remained at the crease with Alzarri Joseph. The pair needed just nine runs for victory when Hasan Mahmud stepped up to bowl the final over.
Mahmud rose to the occasion brilliantly, dismissing Powell caught behind by Bangladesh captain Litton Das on the third ball and clean-bowling Joseph two deliveries later. His efforts left Obed McCoy stranded at the non-striker’s end as the West Indies fell short.
McCoy, returning to the West Indies side, earlier achieved a milestone with his 50th T20 International wicket and finished with figures of two for 30. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein also impressed, taking two for 13 in his four overs.
Bangladesh’s innings, which initially struggled at 96 for five in the 15th over, was revived by Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan. Opener Soumya Sarkar laid the foundation with a top score of 43, while Mahedi contributed an unbeaten 26 before excelling with the ball.
Mahedi’s exceptional spell earned him four for 13, dismantling the West Indies middle order and earning him the “Man of the Match” title. While Powell and Shepherd nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback, Hasan Mahmud’s composure and brilliance in the final over ensured Bangladesh’s hard-fought victory.
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