Bangladesh suffered a narrow 14-run defeat against West Indies
Bangladesh’s hopes of leveling the T20I series against West Indies evaporated under the Chattogram lights as they fell short by 14 runs in the second match. Chasing 150 on a batting-friendly pitch, the Tigers ended at 135 for 8, undone by disciplined bowling from Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd, who took three wickets each.
For the home side, Tanzid Hasan Tamim stood tall amid the collapse, scoring a fighting 61 off 48 balls. But with little support from the middle order, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short, allowing the visitors to clinch the three-match series 2-0, their first T20I series victory after seven consecutive defeats.
Mustafizur Rahman Leads the Bowling Fightback
Bangladesh’s bowlers did most things right after West Indies made a flying start. Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope had put on a dazzling 100-run stand within 11 overs, leaving the hosts staring at a possible total well above 180. But the Tigers fought back admirably.
Mustafizur Rahman, playing with renewed rhythm, spearheaded the attack with figures of 3 for 21, using his slower cutters to great effect. The left-arm pacer removed the dangerous Hope for 55 and later cleaned up Romario Shepherd and Khary Pierre in the final over.
He was well supported by Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain, who took two wickets apiece. Their combined effort triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose eight wickets for just 43 runs — slumping from 106 for 1 to 149 for 9.
The fightback showed the growing maturity of Bangladesh’s bowling unit. However, their excellent work with the ball was not complemented by the batting group, which once again struggled under pressure.
Tanzid Hasan’s Lone Resistance
When Bangladesh began their chase, the dew and a true surface seemed to favor the batters. But early setbacks soon put the team on the back foot. Saif Hassan departed early, falling into a short-ball trap set by Jason Holder, and Litton Das — after a bright start that included three boundaries — was bowled by Akeal Hosein for 23.
That left young Tanzid Hasan to anchor the innings. The left-hander, who has been one of Bangladesh’s promising new faces, looked composed and confident. He played fluently through the leg side, dispatching Shepherd and Hosein for big sixes over midwicket.
Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Tanzid reached his maiden T20I fifty off 42 balls. His 61 was filled with clean hitting and mature shot selection — a rare highlight on a night when most of the top order faltered.
Unfortunately, once Tanzid fell in the 17th over trying to clear deep point, Bangladesh’s chase lost all momentum. The final overs produced few boundaries, and the remaining batters struggled to rotate strike.
Fielding and Middle-Order Struggles Continue
If Bangladesh’s bowling was commendable, their fielding and middle order left plenty to be desired. Earlier in the game, Bangladesh missed two early chances — Litton Das dropped Brandon King in the first over, and Towhid Hridoy spilled a difficult opportunity off Athanaze. Both batters went on to play crucial roles in building West Indies’ foundation.
When it was Bangladesh’s turn to bat, the middle order once again failed to provide stability. Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, and Jaker Ali could not capitalize on starts, each falling while trying to accelerate. The lack of partnerships after Tanzid’s resistance was glaring — and it highlighted the Tigers’ ongoing problem of converting promising positions into wins in the T20 format.
The lower order also crumbled under the mounting asking rate. With 21 runs needed off the final over, Akeal Hosein bowled a tight line, conceding no boundaries and taking two wickets to seal the contest.
West Indies Finally End Their Losing Streak
For the West Indies, this victory was more than just a series win — it ended a painful run of seven consecutive T20I series defeats. Skipper Shai Hope led from the front with a measured 55 off 37 balls, while Alick Athanaze’s 52 provided the perfect platform.
Despite a middle-order collapse, the Caribbean bowlers showcased discipline and calm under pressure. Hosein’s accuracy in the powerplay and Shepherd’s variations in the death overs made all the difference.
Their ability to defend 149, especially against a side familiar with local conditions, will give the West Indies a massive confidence boost ahead of the final match.
Bangladesh’s Takeaways: Promise Without Results
For Bangladesh, this series has been a frustrating reflection of both potential and inconsistency. Mustafizur Rahman’s form is a major positive , as the left-armer’s variations and control have returned, reminding fans of his peak days. Tanzid Hasan’s temperament also bodes well for the team’s future.
However, issues remain with the team’s middle-order stability and finishing ability. The batters often appear caught between aggression and caution, particularly when chasing totals under 160 — totals that should be manageable on home soil.
Fielding has also been an Achilles heel. Dropped catches and missed run-outs continue to haunt the side, turning competitive games into narrow losses.
The Tigers’ inability to sustain partnerships in crucial overs — both with bat and ball — continues to separate them from top-tier T20 sides.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding for Consistency
With the series already lost, Bangladesh will look to salvage pride in the final match of the series. The team management might consider giving opportunities to younger players, especially in the middle order, to test depth and flexibility.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, Bangladesh’s roadmap must focus on power-hitting, sharper fielding, and tactical awareness. Matches like this — where the bowling unit shines but the batting collapses — highlight the need for a holistic approach to team balance.
Despite the defeat, the Tigers can take heart from their bowling performance and the emergence of new talents. But to compete with stronger teams consistently, Bangladesh must find a way to turn close contests into victories — a task that will define their progress in the coming year.
Conclusion
The 14-run loss to West Indies in Chattogram will sting, not because Bangladesh were outplayed, but because they had every chance to win. The bowlers did their job, Tanzid Hasan stood firm, but the team collectively fell short when it mattered most.
For now, the West Indies celebrate a long-awaited series triumph. For Bangladesh, it’s another reminder that potential must be backed by execution. The Tigers remain a side full of talent — but turning that talent into consistent success remains their greatest challenge.
