The West Indies sealed the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh with a thrilling 14-run victory in Chattogram. Powered by half-centuries from Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope, the Caribbean side defended a modest total in a tense finish. It was a night where consistency, composure, and teamwork shone through — and once again, Athanaze help West Indies clinch series with a superb all-round performance that steadied the innings when it mattered most.
Athanaze and Hope’s Partnership Lifts West Indies
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the West Indies got off to a shaky start as opener Brandon King departed early, caught at mid-on in the second over. However, the match turned around quickly when Alick Athanaze joined Shai Hope at the crease. The pair built a brilliant 105-run stand for the second wicket, showing great understanding and control against Bangladesh’s bowlers.
Early in his innings, Athanaze help West Indies clinch series momentum when he survived a dropped catch by Towhid Hridoy in the third over. He took full advantage of that lifeline, punishing the spinners with three mighty sixes — two off Rishad Hossain and one off Nasum Ahmed — to bring up his second T20I fifty. His confident stroke play set the tone for the innings, and the scoreboard read 50/1 at the end of the PowerPlay.
Hope, on the other hand, was the calming presence at the other end, rotating the strike effectively and timing his boundaries perfectly. He too brought up his half-century soon after. Together, they made sure Athanaze help West Indies clinch series hopes stay alive despite early pressure.
But after dominating the middle overs, the Windies suddenly collapsed. Nasum Ahmed dismissed both Athanaze and Rutherford in consecutive deliveries during the 12th over. Soon after, Hope fell in the next over, triggering a dramatic collapse from 106/1 to 118/6. Despite the setback, Athanaze help West Indies clinch series narrative remained strong as his earlier runs became the backbone of the total. The tailenders struggled to add more, and the West Indies eventually posted 149/9 in 20 overs.
Windies Bowlers Hold Nerve to Seal the Series
Defending a moderate total, the West Indies bowlers had to dig deep. Bangladesh began cautiously, but luck was on the Windies’ side. Jason Holder struck early to remove Saif Hassan, and though several catches went down — three in the first 11 overs — the bowlers kept the pressure tight. Athanaze help West Indies clinch series story continued as his energy and fielding supported the bowling unit even after he dropped one catch later.
Litton Das tried to accelerate, striking a few fours, but Akeal Hosein dismissed him soon after being hit for six. Bangladesh looked steady at 100/3 after 15 overs, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim anchoring the innings beautifully. However, pressure from tight overs by Hosein and Shepherd turned the tide.
In the 18th over, both Tanzid (61) and Jaker Ali were dismissed, collapsing Bangladesh’s hopes. The final overs saw Athanaze help West Indies clinch series dream come true as the bowlers maintained composure under pressure. Akeal Hosein (3-22) and Romario Shepherd (3-29) were outstanding, breaking partnerships and ensuring Bangladesh couldn’t chase down 150.
In the end, Bangladesh finished on 135/8, falling short by 14 runs. It was a complete team effort, but there’s no doubt that Athanaze help West Indies clinch series success with his crucial fifty and lively presence in the field. His partnership with Hope was the defining factor that turned the game and the series in West Indies’ favor.
The final scorecard read:
West Indies 149/9 (Shai Hope 55, Alick Athanaze 52; Mustafizur Rahman 3-21)
Bangladesh 135/8 (Tanzid Hasan 61, Litton Das 23; Akeal Hosein 3-22, Romario Shepherd 3-29)
Once again, Athanaze help West Indies clinch series with class, patience, and a fearless attitude — proving that the next generation of Caribbean cricket is ready to shine.
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