Photo: Collected
On Friday, at the Arnos Vale Ground in Saint Vincent, Bangladesh defeated West Indies by a massive margin of 80 runs in the third and final T20I. Having secured the series in the first two matches, the team celebrated the tour's end with a resounding 3–0 sweep. It marked the first time Bangladesh whitewashed West Indies in T20 cricket, ending a long wait. Additionally, they experienced their first overseas T20I whitewash in 12 years, the last being against Ireland in Belfast in 2012.
Even after winning the first two T20Is, there were regrets regarding the batting. Despite achieving their first series win in this format on West Indian soil, there was a lingering unease. However, those regrets were swept away by a blazing knock from Zakir Ali Anik in the third match. Parvez Hossain Emon and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also contributed, leading to a formidable total. Later, Sheikh Mehedy, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Rishad Hossain completely dismantled West Indies with the ball. Bangladesh, often vulnerable in this format, achieved an impressive triumph in T20 cricket
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh's start wasn't ideal, but Parvez's knock soon lifted the spirits. Following a dramatic run-out controversy, Zakir Ali—who has been in terrific form this series—took control. With valuable contributions from Miraz and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Bangladesh reached 189 for 7, their second-highest overseas T20 total. In reply, West Indies could only muster 109 runs, being bowled out in 16.4 overs. Only four West Indies batsmen managed to score in double figures.
In the chase, Bangladesh struck early, with Taskin Ahmed removing Brandon King for a duck in the very first over. The second wicket fell in the next over, as Sheikh Mehedy dismissed Justin Greaves. Reduced to 7 for 2, West Indies never recovered, losing six wickets for just 46 runs. The onslaught continued with Mehedy and Rishad, leaving West Indies all out well before the end.
Amongst the West Indian batters, Romario Shepherd stood out with a defiant 33 off 27 balls, including one four and three sixes. Johnson Charles added 23 runs off 18 balls with four boundaries. Skipper Nicholas Pooran, out of form throughout the series, managed 15 off 10 balls with two fours and a six, while Gudakesh Motie contributed 12. Other batters departed without making an impact.
For Bangladesh, Rishad was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 4 overs. Taskin and Sheikh Mehedy claimed 2 wickets each, with Taskin conceding 30 runs in 3.4 overs. Mehedy continued his miserly spell, giving away just 13 runs in 3 overs. Hasan Mahmud bowled exceptionally, conceding just 9 runs in his 3 overs and taking a wicket. Tanzim Sakib took one wicket but proved expensive, giving away 31 runs in 3 overs.
Earlier, Parvez Hossain Emon, replacing Soumya Sarkar, began confidently. He enthralled with a stunning cover drive, a backfoot punch, and a pull shot off a short delivery. His partner Litton Das also played comfortably, adding 44 runs to the opening partnership. However, Litton departed due to his familiar issues, chipping a catch after a glorious straight drive for four. His innings ended at 14 runs.
Even after Litton's departure, Emon continued his impressive strokeplay. However, attempting to flick Alzarri Joseph's fiery delivery, he perished, caught by Justin Greaves for a quickfire 39 off 21 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Tanzid Tamim struggled, scoring 9 runs. At No. 4, Miraz contributed a vital 29 off 23 balls with three fours, forging a 37-run partnership with Zakir Ali to stabilise the innings.
The match turned during the 15th over of the innings, bowled by Roston Chase. Zakir pushed a delivery to square leg and ran for two, but miscommunication with Shamim Patwari saw both batters at the striker's end. Nicholas Pooran's throw allowed Chase to break the stumps at the non-striker's end. Initially, it seemed Zakir was out, and he even walked off the field. However, TV replays revealed that Zakir's bat was grounded, while Shamim's bat was in the air—leading to Shamim's dismissal.
Reprieved, Zakir shifted gears and became a different player, smashing 41 balls for a career-best 72, studded with three boundaries and six sixes. In the final overs, he partnered Tanzim Sakib for a rapid 50-run stand off 27 balls. Zakir hammered 25 runs in the last over off Joseph, hitting three sixes and a four. Tanzim added a handy 17 off 12 balls. For West Indies, Shepherd took two wickets, while Alzarri, Chase, and Motie claimed one each.
Messenger/Tareq
