BAN vs WI: Quartet of Akeal, Shepherd, Athanaze, Hope hand West Indies tight 14-run win over Bangladesh in 2nd T20I to seal series 2-0

West Indies registered a 14-run win over Bangladesh in the second T20I in Chattogram on October 29 to clinch series 2-0 with a match to spare. Despite a quickfire half-century from Bangladesh's Tanzid Hasan, West Indies bowling attack proved too strong, spearheaded by crucial three-wicket hauls from Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd. Defending a modest total of 149, the visitors managed to restrict Bangladesh to 135/8, despite the match becoming tight in the final overs with the hosts needing 26 runs from the last 12 balls.

West Indies win T20I series against Bangladesh with 14-run win

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein's performance was not just instrumental in the win, but also historically significant. His spell of 3 for 22 propelled him past the legendary Dwayne Bravo to claim the distinction of having the second-most wickets for the West Indies in T20 Internationals. Hosein now boasts a career tally of 81 scalps from 83 matches at an average of 25.51, with one five-wicket haul to his name.

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Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope's fifties take West Indies to 149/9

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the West Indies innings was built around a sensational 105-run second-wicket partnership between Alick Athanaze and captain Shai Hope. After the early loss of Brandon King (1), Athanaze immediately accelerated the scoring, hitting a quickfire 52 runs off 33 balls (including five fours and three sixes). Skipper Hope was equally destructive, smashing 55 runs off 36 balls with five sixes of his own. This century stand laid a solid foundation for a big total.

However, the middle-order failed to capitalize on the strong start due to excellent death bowling from Bangladesh. The hosts' spinners and pacers applied relentless pressure, with Mustafizur Rahman (3/21), Rishad Hossain (2/20), and Nasum Ahmed (2/35) ensuring the rest of the batters could not push the total significantly higher. Cameos from Roston Chase (17*) and Romario Shepherd (13) helped the West Indies limp to a competitive total of 149 for 9 in their 20 overs.

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Tanzid's half century goes in vain as Akeal, Shepherd keep Bangladesh in check

In their run-chase of 150, Bangladesh struggled to forge meaningful partnerships, with opener Tanzid Hasan playing a lone hand. Tanzid was the anchor of the innings, holding the chase together with a brave 61 runs off 48 balls (three fours and three sixes). However, once he fell as the fourth wicket at a score of 117, a dramatic collapse ensued. The West Indies' attack—spearheaded by Romario Shepherd (3/29), Akeal Hosein (3/22), and Jason Holder (2/20)—triggered panic, as Bangladesh lost four wickets for just 18 runs, succumbing to the pressure.

Bangladesh eventually finished their innings at 135 for 8, falling 14 runs short of the target. For his critical contribution with both bat (13 runs) and ball (3 wickets), Romario Shepherd was deservedly named the Player of the Match. With this victory, the West Indies have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

The third and final T20I between West Indies and Bangladesh will be played on October 31.