A clinical bowling performance from Bangladesh guided them to a 27-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Defending a modest total of 130, the Bangladesh bowlers, except for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, put in a spectacular display, skittling out the West Indies for just 102 in 18.3 overs.
The West Indies' top-order woes continued, with the hosts reeling at 42 for 6, echoing their collapse to 62 for 7 in the first T20I. The early breakthroughs proved to be the key once again, as Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the proceedings.
West Indies began their chase with some intent, racing to 19 for 0 in the first two overs. Johnson Charles attacked Mahedi Hasan with a six and a four, but the introduction of Taskin Ahmed turned the tide. Taskin claimed two crucial wickets in one over, dismissing Brandon King and Andre Fletcher. Charles, who looked dangerous, fell soon after, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapping him LBW for a contentious decision that was upheld on umpire's call.
Mehidy continued to strike, bowling a brilliant wicket-maiden in his third over to dismiss Nicholas Pooran, who edged one to slip. The collapse deepened as Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd failed to make an impact. Powell's leading edge was safely taken by Mehidy at point, while Shepherd was dismissed after being rushed into a pull shot, caught at slip.
A brief resistance came from Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein, who put together a 47-run partnership. Chase unleashed a 16-run over off Hasan Mahmud, providing a glimmer of hope for the West Indies. However, the game swung back in Bangladesh's favor when Rishad Hossain removed Chase with a well-executed delivery that bowled him out, and Gudakesh Motie followed shortly after, holing out to long-on off the very next ball.
With West Indies now at 98 for 9, it was only a matter of time before Bangladesh wrapped up the series. Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed picked up the final two wickets to seal the 27-run win, securing the series with a game to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh had struggled with the bat after being put in to bat first. Litton Das’ disappointing form continued as he was stumped off Akeal Hosein, and Roston Chase removed Tanzid Hasan soon after. Mehidy Hasan Miraz briefly counter-attacked, smashing two fours and a six, but he too fell, caught at deep backward square leg.
Jaker Ali (21 off 20) and Rishad Hossain contributed valuable runs in the middle overs, while Shamim Hossain continued his good form from the first T20I. Shamim’s quickfire 35 not out off 17 balls, which included two sixes and two fours, helped Bangladesh reach 129 for 7 by the end of their innings, including a flourish of 26 runs in the final two overs.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh's comprehensive win not only gave them a series victory but also showcased their dominance in the shortest format of the game. The West Indies, on the other hand, face a major challenge as they attempt to avoid a whitewash in the final T20I.