West Indies showcased their dominance in the opening Test against Bangladesh, cruising to a convincing 201-run victory on the fourth day. Exceptional batting performances in the first innings, led by Justin Greaves and Mikyle Louis, laid the foundation. The bowlers capitalized with relentless aggression to secure a swift victory, leaving Bangladesh reeling.

West Indies Set the Tone with the Bat

Winning the toss, West Indies opted to bat and posted a formidable 450/9 declared in their first innings. Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 115, complemented by Mikyle Louis’ 97, was instrumental in building a commanding total. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud picked up three wickets, but his efforts were overshadowed by the opposition's batting dominance.

In their second innings, the West Indies managed 152, with Alick Athanaze top-scoring with 42. Taskin Ahmed delivered a stellar spell, claiming 6/64, but the lead already put Bangladesh under immense pressure.

Bangladesh Struggles with the Bat

Bangladesh’s batting woes continued throughout the match. In their first innings, they managed 269/9 declared, with Jaker Ali’s fighting 53 and Mehidy Hasan’s 45 providing some resistance. Alzarri Joseph’s disciplined bowling fetched him three wickets, while others chipped in effectively.

The second innings saw an even more dismal performance as Bangladesh folded for 132. Despite a valiant 45 from Mehidy Hasan, no other batter rose to the challenge. Kemar Roach led the charge with figures of 3/20, dismantling the middle order and ensuring a swift conclusion.

Day 4 Highlights

Bangladesh resumed the fourth day on the back foot, needing an improbable miracle to save the game.

  • Joseph’s Breakthrough: Alzarri Joseph struck early, dismissing Hasan Mahmud with a delivery in the corridor that forced an edge.
  • Jaker Ali’s Resistance Ends: Jaker Ali, the last hope for Bangladesh, added quick boundaries but was trapped lbw by Joseph.
  • Shoriful Retires Hurt: Shoriful Islam endured a painful blow and withdrew, signaling Bangladesh’s surrender.

West Indies wrapped up proceedings in the morning session, completing a dominant performance.

Key Performances

  1. Justin Greaves: His unbeaten 115 set the tone for the game, anchoring the West Indies' first innings.
  2. Kemar Roach: His disciplined and lethal bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s lineup in the second innings.
  3. Alzarri Joseph: His ability to strike consistently ensured Bangladesh’s batters never found momentum.

Conclusion

The West Indies’ emphatic win in the first Test highlights their well-rounded performance. With contributions from both bat and ball, they exposed Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities. As the teams prepare for the second Test, the visitors face an uphill battle to level the series, while the hosts will look to maintain their momentum.

This match was a testament to the depth and discipline of West Indies cricket as they aim to reassert themselves on the global stage. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the series unfolds.