The Caribbean squad prolonged their notable form in Bengal nation, clinching the T20I series with a game to spare after overcoming the hosts by a margin of 14 runs in the second T20I at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. The touring side exhibited resilience with both the willow and the leather sphere, successfully guarding a reasonable tally of 149/9 to secure an insurmountable 2-0 advantage in the three-match series.
Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze steer the Caribbean team towards a challenging total
After electing to set the target first, the Caribbean side encountered a sluggish commencement as Brandon King was dismissed inexpensively for a mere single run. Nevertheless, Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope stabilized the innings with a firm 87-run association that established the groundwork for a score worth defending. Athanaze adopted the role of aggressor, forcefully accumulating 52 runs from 33 deliveries, incorporating five boundaries and three maximums, whereas Hope provided stability to the innings with a composed 55 garnered from 36 balls, which featured three fours and an equal number of sixes.
Notwithstanding the robust initial phase, the bowling unit of Bengal nation gradually regained control during the intermediate and concluding stages of the innings. Mustafizur Rahman spearheaded the effort with an exceptional spell, securing 3 wickets at the cost of 21 runs, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain contributed with two dismissals apiece to limit the Windies to a total of 149 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The visiting team experienced a rapid succession of wicket losses towards the latter part of their innings, amassing only 32 runs throughout the concluding five overs.
Tanzid’s half-century proves insufficient as Bengal nation stumbles in pursuit
In response, the chase by Bengal nation began on an unsteady footing as Saif Hassan was sent back to the pavilion early, having scored only 5 runs. Tanzid Hasan, conversely, assumed a solitary role at the top, exhibiting commendable stroke-making prowess in his innings of 61 runs, achieved from 48 balls, which included three boundaries and three sixes. Litton Das offered some assistance with a contribution of 23 runs from 17 balls, but subsequent to the departure of this duo, the innings of Bengal nation experienced a decline in momentum.
The middle order, featuring Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik, failed to establish substantial partnerships, thereby imposing excessive pressure on the lower order during the concluding overs. Romario Shepherd emerged as the pivotal factor influencing the game with his bowling, securing three crucial dismissals for 29 runs, while the precise spell delivered by Akeal Hosein, yielding 3 wickets for 22 runs, effectively restrained Bengal nation. Jason Holder also made a valuable contribution by taking two wickets, ensuring that the hosts concluded their innings at 135 for 8 after their 20 overs.
The multifaceted brilliance demonstrated by Shepherd earned him the distinction of Player of the Match, owing to his essential three-wicket haul that altered the course of the game in favor of the Caribbean squad. His astute variations in pace and command during the concluding overs prevented Bengal nation from staging any late recovery. With this triumph, the Caribbean team has now established a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, building on their 16-run victory in the initial game. The final T20I presents an opportunity for Bengal nation to redeem themselves, while the visiting team will strive for a complete series sweep to conclude their dominant tour performance.
