West Indies set Bangladesh a target of 166 runs in the first T20I today after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Although the Caribbean side gained momentum early on, the Tigers’ bowlers orchestrated a brilliant comeback, largely due to a pivotal double-strike from paceman Taskin Ahmed.
The match is significant for Bangladesh, who are playing with T20 World Cup preparations in mind and are aiming for their fifth consecutive T20I series victory (having recently won against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Netherlands, and Afghanistan). The return of captain Litton Das from injury—the country’s highest T20I run-scorer—adds extra confidence to the squad.

Controlled Bowling Derails WI Momentum
West Indies made a steady start, finishing the Power Play with 35 runs without loss. Openers Alick Athanaze and Brandon King began to accelerate after the Power Play, but the breakthrough came in the 9th over. Spinner Rishad Hossain ended a growing 59-run partnership by clean bowling Alick Athanaze for 34 (27 balls, 4×4, 1×6).

The crucial turning point, however, arrived in the 13th over. With the score at 82/1, paceman Taskin Ahmed delivered a stunning double-strike on consecutive balls, halting the Caribbean momentum.

He first dismissed Brandon King (33 off 36 balls), who top-edged a slower, full ball and was caught by Tanzim Hasan at mid-wicket. On the very next ball, new batsman Sherfane Rutherford was caught behind by Litton Das, attempting to hit a pull shot.

West Indies lost three quick wickets to fall to 82 for 3. Bangladesh capitalized on this collapse to restrict the visitors, ultimately setting the Tigers a challenging, but achievable, target of 166 runs to take the series lead.