Delhi: In the first match of the three-match T20 series played in Chittagong, West Indies registered a thrilling victory against Bangladesh by 16 runs. Batting first, West Indies scored 165 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs due to the brilliant innings of captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell. In reply, Bangladesh team was reduced to 149 runs.

West Indies’ strong start

Batting first, West Indies openers Alick Athanase and Brendon King gave a great start to the team. Together they added 59 runs for the first wicket. Athanaje scored 34 runs on 27 balls, while King contributed 33 runs on 36 balls.

Brilliant innings by Shai Hope and Powell

After this, captain Shai Hope started scoring fast runs as soon as he came. He played a brilliant inning of 46 runs in 28 balls, which included four sixes and one four. At the same time, Rovman Powell, playing his 100th T20 International match, played a strong inning of 44 runs in 28 balls. Thanks to the innings of both, West Indies made a challenging score of 165/3 in 20 overs.

Bangladesh’s weak start

While chasing the target, host Bangladesh had a very bad start. The team lost wickets continuously in the initial overs itself. Within 100 runs, six batsmen of Bangladesh had returned to the pavilion.

Bangladesh’s low order effort

Tanzin Hasan Shakib, who came to bat at number 7, struggled for some time after scoring 33 runs in 27 balls. Tauheed Hridoy scored 28 runs in 25 balls, while Nasum Ahmed added 20 runs in 13 balls, taking the team to 149 runs. However, the entire team was all out in the last over.

Jason Holder’s brilliant bowling

West Indies’ experienced all-rounder Jason Holder bowled brilliantly and took three wickets. He also got good support from other bowlers.

Rovman Powell was chosen ‘Man of the Match’ for his excellent performance. With this victory, West Indies has taken a 1-0 lead in the series.