The West Indies have recorded a nail-biting three-run win over Bangladesh at the ICC T20 World Cup in Sharjah. Set a target of 143 for victory, Bangladesh limped to 139 for the loss of five wickets. It was the defending champions’ first win at this year’s tournament.
Bangladesh won the toss and sent the West Indies in to bat first. It seemed to be a good decision. The Windies lost the wicket of opener, Evin Lewis, for just six runs in the third over and with the score on 12.
Moments later, it was the turn of danger man, Chris Gayle. He was bowled for four. That left the Windies in a spot of bother on 15 for two in the fifth over. In the 7th over, Shimron Hetmayer returned to the pavilion, out for nine, with the Windies struggling at 32 for three.
The experienced Kieron Pollard and Roston Chase then provided some resistance. In the 13th over, however, with the score on 62 for three, Pollard on eight left the field due to an injury. This brought Andre Russell to the crease but his stay wasn’t long. He was run out for a duck, without facing a ball.
Nicholas Pooran and Chase then joined forces in the middle. Pooran was especially impressive. He was, however, dismissed for 40 from just 22 deliveries and contributed 57 runs with Chase for the fifth wicket. Chase was sent packing with the very next delivery, out for 39 with the Windies on 119 for six in the penultimate over.
Dwayne Bravo made one before his innings came to an end. And Pollard returned to face the music with Jason Holder. The two hit three sixes in the final over. Holder finished unbeaten on 15 from 5 deliveries. Pollard was not out on 14. The Windies finished on 142 for 7.
In reply, the Bangladesh openers put on 21 runs before Shakib Al Hasan was out for nine in the fifth over. Jason Holder then struck in the next over. He sent Naim Sheikh packing for 17 with Bangladesh on 29 for two. Although two more wickets tumbled, Bangladesh kept the scoreboard ticking.
They needed 13 runs off the last seven deliveries. But Litton Das was dismissed for 44 from the last ball of the penultimate over. The Windies’ fielding let them down in the final over. Bangladesh needed four runs off the final ball but Russell bowled a superb delivery. He sealed the deal for the Windies leading them to victory by just three runs.
