Jaker Ali Shines As Bangladesh Beat West Indies In The 3rd T20I To Complete Series Whitewash

After being humbled by the West Indies in the ODI series, where they faced a clean sweep, Bangladesh turned the tables in the T20I series, delivering a commanding performance to win the final match by a whopping 80 runs. The victory at the Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent, not only sealed the series for Bangladesh but also highlighted their dominance in all departments of the game.

From Jaker Ali’s scintillating 72-run knock to a disciplined bowling effort led by Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh ensured there were no loose ends in this emphatic win. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match that showcased Bangladesh’s resurgence in white-ball cricket.

Bangladesh Dominate with Bat and Ball

The day started on a positive note for Bangladesh when skipper Litton Das won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that looked tailor-made for run-scoring. The decision proved to be spot on as the openers provided a solid start, setting the stage for a formidable total.

Jaker Ali’s Explosive Knock

The batting highlight was undoubtedly Jaker Ali, whose unbeaten 72 off 41 balls was a spectacle of clean hitting. Ali smashed 6 towering sixes and paced his innings perfectly, ensuring Bangladesh finished with a competitive 189/7 in 20 overs. His calculated aggression was particularly evident in the death overs, where he dismantled the West Indies’ bowling attack. Ali’s innings was complemented by contributions from the top order, ensuring that Bangladesh capitalized on a good batting surface.

West Indies Bowlers Falter Again

The West Indies bowlers had another forgettable outing. Leading pacer Alzarri Joseph endured a nightmare spell, conceding 59 runs in his four overs, while others failed to maintain control during crucial phases of the innings. The lack of discipline and penetration in the bowling attack allowed Bangladesh to dictate terms throughout the innings.

West Indies’ Batting Collapse: A Night to Forget

Chasing a stiff target of 190, the West Indies’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. What started as a promising chase quickly spiraled into a disaster, with wickets falling like a house of cards.

Miscommunication Costs Early Wicket

The first blow came in the form of a mix-up between Johnson Charles and Rovman Powell, resulting in Charles’ dismissal via a direct hit from Rishad Hossain. Charles, who looked in good touch with 23 off 18 balls, was visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion, setting the tone for a series of missteps from the West Indies.

Soft Dismissals and Lack of Application

Romario Shepherd, who top-scored for the West Indies with 33 runs, also fell to a poor shot selection. His dismissal was symptomatic of the team’s overall approach—impatience and poor decision-making. Despite having a strong lineup, the West Indies batters failed to apply themselves, eventually being bowled out for 109 in just 16.4 overs.

Bangladesh’s Bowlers Shine

Bangladesh’s bowling unit deserves immense credit for their clinical performance. Every bowler executed their role to perfection, but it was Rishad Hossain who stood out with figures of 3/15. His ability to extract sharp turn and variations bamboozled the West Indies batters.

Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan also played pivotal roles, taking 2 wickets each, and keeping the pressure on the opposition throughout the innings. Hasan, who has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh, was deservedly named Player of the Series for his all-round contributions.

Key Moments of the Match

1. Jaker Ali’s Death Overs Carnage

Ali’s onslaught in the final overs was the turning point of the match. His ability to find the boundary at will ensured Bangladesh posted a daunting total, putting the West Indies under immediate pressure.

2. Rishad Hossain’s Direct Hit

The dismissal of Johnson Charles not only provided Bangladesh with a crucial breakthrough but also set the tone for the team’s high-intensity performance in the field.

3. West Indies’ Middle-Order Collapse

With the game hanging in the balance, the West Indies’ middle order failed to show any resistance. Poor shot selection and the inability to build partnerships sealed their fate.

Player of the Match and Series

Player of the Match: Jaker Ali
His unbeaten 72 was a masterclass in T20 batting, earning him well-deserved recognition.
Player of the Series: Mahedi Hasan
Hasan’s all-round contributions throughout the series, both with bat and ball, made him a standout performer.

Lessons for the West Indies

The T20I series highlighted glaring issues within the West Indies setup, particularly in their inability to adapt to different match situations. Some takeaways for the team include:

Improving Bowling Discipline: With key bowlers like Alzarri Joseph proving costly, there’s an urgent need to address consistency and control.
Strengthening Batting Approach: The batters need to focus on building partnerships and playing to the situation rather than succumbing to pressure.

Bangladesh’s Resurgence

For Bangladesh, the series win is a testament to their growing prowess in T20 cricket. The team showcased great depth, with different players stepping up at crucial moments. The emphatic victory in the final match will serve as a confidence booster as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.

Bangladesh’s 80-run triumph over the West Indies in the third T20I was a complete team effort, marking the end of the series on a high note. From Jaker Ali’s heroics with the bat to a disciplined bowling display, the team proved their mettle in emphatic fashion. For the West Indies, the loss serves as a wake-up call to address their inconsistencies and improve their approach to T20 cricket.

As both teams move forward, Bangladesh will look to build on this momentum, while the West Indies will aim to regroup and return stronger in upcoming fixtures.

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