Chattogram, Oct 29 (UNI) Alick Athanaze and captain Shai Hope starred with the bat before West Indies’ bowlers held their nerve to seal a hard-fought 14-run win over Bangladesh in the second T20I at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium here today.
With the victory, the visitors took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, West Indies posted a competitive 149 for nine in 20 overs, anchored by a fluent 52 off 33 balls from Athanaze and a captain’s knock of 55 off 36 by Hope.
The duo added a brisk 105-run partnership for the second wicket, rescuing the side from an early jolt when Brandon King (1) fell cheaply to Taskin Ahmed.
Bangladesh fought back through Mustafizur Rahman, who claimed three wickets for just 21 runs, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain chipped in with two apiece to restrict the Windies from crossing the 150-mark.
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase never quite gathered momentum. Despite opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s gritty 61 off 48 balls, the home side kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Litton Das made a brisk 23, but none of the middle-order batsmen could build on the foundation as the required rate kept climbing.
Romario Shepherd (3/29) and Akeal Hosein (3/22) led the West Indies attack with sharp spells, while Jason Holder’s two wickets ensured there was no late comeback from Bangladesh.
The hosts eventually ended on 135 for eight in their 20 overs.
The third and final T20I will be played at the same venue on October 31, with Bangladesh seeking to avoid a series whitewash.
Brief Scores:
West Indies 149/9 in 20 overs (Alick Athanaze 52, Shai Hope 55; Mustafizur Rahman 3/21, Nasum Ahmed 2/35)
Bangladesh 135/8 in 20 overs (Tanzid Hasan 61, Litton Das 23; Romario Shepherd 3/29, Akeal Hosein 3/22)
Result: West Indies won by 14 runs.
Series: West Indies lead 2-0.
