WEST INDIES HAMMER BANGLADESH IN AN HOUR ON THE FIFTH AND FINAL DAY TO TAKE A SERIES LEAD IN THE TWO-MATCH SERIES
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies crushed Bangladesh by 201 runs to take a one-nil lead in the two-match Test series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, finishing the match well within an hour on the fifth and final day.
Resuming the day at 109 for 7 in pursuit of an improbable 334, Bangladesh faced an even greater challenge when Alzarri Joseph forced an edge off Hasan Mahmud's bat in the second over of the day.
Jaker Ali played aggressively with five boundaries, but Joseph outsmarted the right-hander, trapping him leg before wicket (LBW) for his second wicket of the day, leaving the score at 129 for 9.
With victory inevitable, last man Shoriful Islam retired not out due to concussion, ending Bangladesh's innings at 132 and giving the home team an emphatic lead in the series.
Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 115 not out, his maiden Test century. His innings rescued the Caribbean team from 253 for 6 in the first innings to a formidable total of 450 for 9 declared.
The 30-year-old Greaves expressed pride in his accomplishment and in helping to guide the team to victory.
"Helping the team succeed and winning a Test match is something I take pride in. I'm happy with my performance, but winning the match means even more to me."
For captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the recovery act on the opening day changed the course of the contest.
"I think the way we batted in the first innings to post 450 runs was brilliant, especially considering day one in Antigua typically favors fast bowlers. Our approach, with key half-centuries and Justin’s century, put us in a position to dominate the Test match."
Brathwaite added that his fast bowlers complemented each other to put the team in control after the visitors’ first innings.
"I think they worked fantastic together. Kemar Roach is the leader of the bowling unit, and to see how we went about it, I think the discipline was superb, and we had some aggression—that was important."
Following the celebrations, Brathwaite, along with other squad members, gifted merchandise to five women fans who supported the team across the five days. For the skipper, it was about more than just gratitude.
“It’s just appreciation we wanted to show. I’ve seen these ladies at cricket for every Test match I’ve played here in Antigua. Even at some best-of-the-best games and practice games at Coolidge, they’re always supporting, always waving their West Indies flag.
"So we appreciate them and hope to see many more fans coming out to support us across the Caribbean."
The second and final game of the series bowls off on Saturday at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
-ENDS-