By Neto Baptiste
West Indies wrapped up an impressive victory over Bangladesh to take the opening match in their two Tests series at North Sound, Antigua early Tuesday, beating the visitors by 201 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The visitors’ chase of 334 was brought to a close at 132 for 9 on the fifth morning, just an over after hometown boy Alzarri Joseph struck No 11 Shoriful Islam on the back of his shoulder. The Bangladesh physio didn’t clear Islam to continue his innings, thus bringing the curtains down on the game as the batter retired hurt.
The hosts took seven overs to wrap things up on Tuesday. Alzarri removed Hasan Mahmud for a duck, as he was caught behind to an away-going delivery, before Jaker Ali fell lbw for 31. Jaker struck four boundaries in his 58-ball stay. Alzarri, however, continued to pepper Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam with bouncers, while the West Indies fielders also took turns in sledging the Bangladesh tailenders.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with 45 from 46 while Jaker Ali added 31 off 58 and Litton Das contributed with 22 from 18.
Kemar Roach and Jayden Seals both picked up three wickets while Alzarri claimed two for 32 and Shamar Joseph bagged one for 22. Seals and Alzarri both ended with five wickets in the match while Roach picked up four in total.
Earlier, West Indies were dismissed for just 152 in their second innings, building a lead of 334 after Bangladesh declared on 269 for nine in their first innings. Alick Athanaze top scored with 42 off 63 deliveries while skipper Kraigg Brathwaite chipped in with 23 from 35 balls.
The home team had however, set the foundation for their comfortable win on the backs of first innings scores from Justin Greaves who made 115 from 306 deliveries, Mikyle Louis who posted 97 from 218 balls and Alick Athanaze with 90 from 130 deliveries. Roach added 47 off 144 down the order to see West Indies to 450 for 9 declared.
The second Test is scheduled to bowl off on November 30 in Kingston, Jamaica with the first of three ODI matches slated for December 8 in St Kitts.
