The West Indies versus Bangladesh second T20I match is ongoing at the Arnos vale grounds and already cricket lovers from all over the world are glued to the action. Both teams enter this match with a bone to pick with each other. The West Indies hope to continue their has dominance at home but Bangladesh hopes to get some traction and showcase their abilities in the shortest format as well.
Pre-Match Analysis
The first match in the series was a closely contested T20I that ended with the West Indies edging out Bangladesh at the wire. Key players like Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell stepped up when it mattered along with their bowlers, who were cool under pressure in the dying moments of the match. Bangladesh however had their moments in the match through Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan but just struggled to convert starts into matches.
The second match right from the start saw both teams adopt a few tactical changes. For one Rovman Powell, the West Indies captain, won the toss and opted to bat first in hopes of setting a high score on a sunny day at Kingstown. The pitch on the other hand offered the batsman and bowler some gremlins but was ideal to bat on.
As expected, the West Indies innings began in style as they were the first to take to the crease and Kyle Mayers and Brandon King took the Bangladeshi bowlers to the cleaners. Both batsman set the tone by scoring aggressively and quickly and helped establish a strong foundation for a high scoring game.
Thanks to his consistency, King was ruthless when he was given the chance, hitting two boundaries off the first two balls he faced. Mayers Alive to compliment him with a big six over midwicket and thus added to the woes of the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Bangladesh hit back during the powerplay in their innings the aggressive start provided by the West Indies when they got rid of Mayers with a well disguised slower ball bowled by Taskin Ahmed. Nevertheless, the dismissal only saw Nicholas Pooran walk out to the crease who instantly set about scoring runs quickly. He and King put together an important stand of 78 runs that made it easy to set up a good score.
During the middle overs things changed when al Hasan an all rounder from Bangladesh got on track and bowled amazingly removing first King and then Hetmyer. While this pegined the West Indies back somewhat, an onslaught from Rovman Powell and Romario shepherd late in the innings saw the crowd entertained. Powell ended the innings with a stylish 35 runs at a strike rate of 218 while hitting three sixes and consequently, the West Indies scored a mammoth 192 runs having lost 5 wickets in their 20 overs.
The Sajid saga of the triumphant Bangladesh: A Tale of Missed Chances.
193 were in for a big chase and hence Bangladesh was in need oof a strong start, and openers Litton Das and Rony Talukdar looked to be up for the task.
Das again demonstrated his competitiveness and class with a brilliant figure of backfoot punching a boundary past the cover. Unfortunately, Talukdar was out on a disappointing note flinching a fast bouncer from Alzarri Joseph to the wicket keeper.
Shakib Al Hasan was the one who made a late entry in the middle order and helped stabilize the innings with Das. The two shared an alliance of sixty in which Shakib made good use of his skill to keep the bowling change and Das took calculated chances in the batting. It was however Odean Smith and Akeal Hosein who were forced to increase the required run rate during the mid-part of the innings because both occupied their turns with calculated balls.
In the 13th over, Litton Das misjudged a pull and was out off Shepherd scoring 48. Das’s dismissal brought chaos as Bangladesh quickly lost Afif Hossain and Mahmudullah. Shakib however made determined efforts and hit Boundaries off Obed McCoy as he tried to continue the chase but lack of assistance from any other end damaged the results.
Conclusion with the West Indies as Winner
Having lost too many wickets, the lower order of Bangladesh’s batting lineup found it hard to hit boundaries which resulted in them requiring at least 45 runs in the last three over. Meanwhile Shakib managed to score 54 before being caught at deep midwicket as he attempted to clear the boundary.
In his last over, McCoy scalped the 8th wicket for West Indies as the bowlers were clinical under pressure during the final overs. Shepherd and his team managed to secure a 17 run victory after defending 175 against Bangladesh who finished their innings at 175 runs with 8 wickets lost.
What Went Right For Them, even as they Lost.
Batting Order of West Indies: West Indies batting order seemed thick from the start itself while with the combination of Powell and Shepherd saw them through to what is proving to be their match winner.
How Shakib Al Hasan Helped “Bangladesh” Against “West Indies”: Losing the match for his side, yet Shakib made his presence felt throughout the match with both the bat and the ball.
Why Didn’t Bangladesh Perform? Ans- Poor Show of Middle Order. Though Litton Das and Shakib performed well, but the middle and lower order crumbled.
Looking Ahead.
Post this win, West Indies achieved a seemingly unassailable 2-0 lead over the 3-match series but this final match should enable the Bangladesh team to think about making amends. For the West Indies they want to keep the momentum going and prepare for the rest of the series.
Fans should expect an equally exciting conclusion of the match particularly after the Arnos Vale Ground witnessed such an exhilarating game.
If you are interested for more: West Indies versus Bangladesh Live Score, 2nd T20I U.S. University Reevaluates International Admissions Following an Indian Student’s Detailed Counterfeit Admission That Gained Traction on Reddit
