Bangladesh’s Jaker Ali Shines as West Indies Crumble

Bangladesh wrapped up a 3-0 T20I series sweep over West Indies with a commanding 80-run victory in Kingstown, marking their largest-ever win in terms of runs against the hosts. A stellar unbeaten 72 from Jaker Ali and a disciplined bowling performance paved the way for this record-breaking triumph. Jaker’s explosive knock, combined with a solid start from the top order, helped Bangladesh post their highest T20I total on West Indian soil—189/7. The bowlers then dismissed the hosts for just 109 in under 17 overs, sealing a dominant performance.

Already leading 2-0 in the series, Bangladesh opted to bat first. The opening pair of Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan provided a fiery 44-run partnership, with Emon’s quick-fire 39 off 21 balls setting the tone. Although the visitors lost both openers before the powerplay ended, they had laid a steady foundation at 54/2. Tanzid couldn’t build on his start, but Jaker stepped in to take control.

Coming in at 65/3, Jaker partnered with Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a stabilising 37-run stand. However, a timely breakthrough by Roston Chase initiated a brief collapse, including two run-outs in three balls. A moment of drama unfolded when Jaker, initially walking back after a run-out, was called back to the crease following a review. From there, he transformed the innings.

At 114/6 in the 15th over, Jaker switched gears and joined Tanzim Hasan Sakib for a game-changing 50-run partnership. Jaker, who was on 17 off 16 balls at the time of his reprieve, unleashed a devastating assault on the West Indies bowlers, smashing 55 runs off the next 25 deliveries. Alzarri Joseph bore the brunt of Jaker’s onslaught, conceding 37 runs in his final two overs, including four sixes and two boundaries.

Defending a formidable target, Bangladesh’s bowlers were relentless. Taskin Ahmed struck in the very first over, trapping Brandon King LBW. Although Nicholas Pooran offered some early resistance, his dismissal during the powerplay by Mahedi Hasan—who claimed Pooran’s wicket in all three matches of the series—halted West Indies' momentum. The hosts managed just 45 runs in the powerplay while losing three key wickets.

Romario Shepherd tried to salvage the chase with a fighting 33, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to show any intent or application. As the required run rate soared, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip. All five bowlers chipped in with wickets, with Rishad Hossain leading the charge with impressive figures of 3 for 21. The West Indies collapsed to 109 in 16.4 overs, ending their innings in disarray.

This historic victory not only secured Bangladesh’s first T20I series sweep against West Indies but also underscored their growing prowess in the shortest format.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh: 189/7 in 20 overs (Jaker Ali 72*, Parvez Hossain Emon 39; Romario Shepherd 2-30)

West Indies: 109 in 16.4 overs (Romario Shepherd 33; Rishad Hossain 3-21, Mahedi Hasan 2-13) Result: Bangladesh won by 80 runs.