Mehidy, Tamim lead Bangladesh to series triumph against W. Indies

SPORTS DESK: Bangladesh wrapped up the three-match series against West Indies quite comfortably by putting up an indomitable performance that saw them crush the visitors by seven wickets in the second game here at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, BSS reports.

Skipper Tamim Iqbal led the side from the front with a half-century before off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed career-best 4-25 as the hosts kept West Indies at bay throughout the game unlike the previous match.

Bangladesh won the first match by six wickets even though it didn’t come with such ease as the result showed.

By taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Bangladesh confirmed their third straight and overall fifth series victory over West Indies. The latest victory also extended their winning streak against Caribbean to seven.

Fast bowler Mustafizur (2-15) and left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (2-30) took two wickets each to play a key role around Mehidy as West Indies was bowled out for 148 in 43.4 overs after opting to bat first.

Tamim’s 50 was complemented by Shakib Al Hasan’s 43 not out, helping Bangladesh to hunt down the target in just 33.2 overs.

This was, however, the first time Bangladesh bowled out any opponents below 150 for the consecutive second time. In the first match, they bundled West Indies out for 122.

Rovman Powell was the top-scorer for the visitors with 41 off 66, hitting two fours and one six as he led the side past 100, when it looked unlikely.

Mustafizur broke through with the wicket of Sunil Ambris (6) before Mehidy provided the key breakthrough, dismissing debutant Kjorn Ottley, who scored 24.

At the same over, Mehidy removed Joshua Da Silva after which Shakib Al Hasan ripped through the middle order.

Nkrumah Bonner resisted for a while but pacer Hasan Mahmud got rid of him for 20 as West Indies slumped to 71-7.

Rovman Powell then came to the crease and took the side past 100 alongside Alzarri Joseph by sharing 32 runs for the ninth wicket.

Mustafizur came back in his second spell to break the partnership as he removed Joseph with a short-pitched delivery for 17.

Powell before being out as the last batsman off Mehidy Hasan added 28 runs for the last wicket with Akeal Hossain, who scored 12 not out.

Captain Tamim led the charge from the front, hitting 50 off 76 that included three fours and one six.

He and Nazmul Hossain (17) shared 47-run for the second wicket after fellow opener Liton Das was dismissed for 22.

Raymon Reifer removed Tamim, just after he reached his 48th 50 but Shakib who was unbeaten on 43, guided the side home, extending the winning-streak to seven against West Indies. Mushfiqur was not out on 9.

The third and final ODI is on Monday in Chattogram after which the two teams will play a two-match Test series.

Brief Score:

West Indies 148 all out in 43.4 overs (Rovman Powell 41, Kjorn Ottley 24, Nkrumah Bonner 20, Mehidy Miraz 4-25, Mustafizur 2-15, Shakib 2-30)

Bangladesh 149-3 in 33.2 overs (Tamim Iqbal 50, Shakib 43 not out, Liton Das 22, Raymon Reifer 1-18, Jason Mohammed 1-29, Akeal Hosein 1-45)

Result: Bangladesh wins by 7 wickets.

Man of the Match: Mehidy Hasan Miraz