Bangladesh secured a thrilling seven-run victory over West Indies in the first T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground, St Vincent, despite a late onslaught from Rovman Powell. Hasan Mahmud’s composed final over, defending nine runs, ensured Bangladesh’s first T20I win against West Indies in six years. Powell’s blistering 60 off 35 balls, featuring four sixes and five fours, almost snatched victory, but Mahmud removed him and Alzarri Joseph to seal the win.
West Indies, chasing 148, were reduced to 38 for 5 after Mahedi Hasan’s brilliant spell of 4 for 13. Taskin Ahmed started the collapse by dismissing Brandon King with his first ball. Mahedi continued the damage, removing Nicholas Pooran, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, and Roston Chase. At 61 for 7 in the 12th over, Powell joined Romario Shepherd to launch a counterattack.
Powell smashed three sixes off Taskin in the 14th over, scoring 23 runs and reducing the required rate from over 11 to eight per over. Shepherd chipped in with 22 off 17, striking a six off Rishad Hossain before falling to Taskin. Powell kept the hopes alive, reaching his fifty in just 28 balls, but Mahmud’s heroics in the final over dashed the chase.
Earlier, Akeal Hosein gave West Indies a strong start, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das in consecutive deliveries. Soumya Sarkar’s 43 and timely sixes from Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan revived Bangladesh’s innings. Bangladesh struck nine sixes, their highest tally against West Indies in a T20I, to post 147 for 6.
The win marked a memorable start to Bangladesh’s Victory Day back home, with Mahmud’s calm under pressure sealing an unforgettable finish.
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