KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – In a match defined by dazzling strokes and shocking collapses, Jaker Ali’s scintillating half-century propelled Bangladesh to an emphatic 80-run victory over the West Indies in the final T20I at Arnos Vale on Thursday.
The dominant win secured a 3-0 series sweep for the visitors, marking their first such feat in over two years.
Ali’s unbeaten 72 off just 41 deliveries rescued Bangladesh from a precarious position, while the West Indies batting line-up crumbled spectacularly to a dismal 109 all out, solidifying a historic defeat.
Ali’s heroics anchor Bangladesh’s innings
Despite early struggles, Bangladesh’s innings was revitalized by the unyielding brilliance of Ali, whose breath-taking knock featured six towering sixes and three blistering fours. The player-of-the-match showcased nerves of steel, especially after narrowly escaping a run-out on 18—a decision overturned by the TV umpire to the dismay of the Windies.
Ali found an able ally in Tanzim Hasan Sakib during the closing stages, adding a whirlwind 50 runs in just four overs. Their fireworks included a punishing 20-run over off Obed McCoy and a thrilling finale where Ali launched three sixes off Alzarri Joseph in the last four balls, lifting Bangladesh to a formidable 189 for seven—their highest T20I total on Caribbean soil.
Windies bowlers falter after promising start
West Indies’ bowlers initially showed promise, reducing Bangladesh to 114 for six after a fiery opening blitz from captain Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon. The pair had powered to 44 runs within the first five overs before Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph struck to restore balance.
However, the absence of ace spinner Akeal Hosein, who departed for Big Bash League commitments, left the bowling attack toothless in the death overs. Joseph and Shepherd were punished severely, while Jayden Seales struggled to contain Ali’s onslaught.
Windies batting in shambles again
Chasing 190, the West Indies batting line-up was dismantled with alarming ease. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed set the tone by trapping Brandon King lbw for a golden duck on the second ball of the innings. The inexperienced Justin Greaves followed shortly, gifting Mahedi Hasan an easy catch at long-on.
A fleeting 38-run partnership between Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran offered a glimmer of hope, but Mahedi’s sharp delivery sent Pooran packing for 15. A disastrous three-over spell saw the Windies lose Roston Chase, Charles, and captain Rovman Powell in quick succession, collapsing to 60 for six.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain delivered a masterclass in wicket-taking, claiming 3-21 and making short work of the Windies’ tail. While Romario Shepherd’s spirited 33 added some resistance, it was too little, too late. The hosts were bundled out in just 16.4 overs, handing Bangladesh their largest-ever margin of victory over the West Indies in terms of runs and leaving their fans in stunned silence.
While Bangladesh celebrated a triumphant series sweep powered by Ali’s brilliance, the West Indies were left to confront one of their most humiliating defeats in recent history. Skipper Rovman Powell and his team must now use their upcoming hiatus to reflect and regroup before facing England in 2025.
