WI VS BAN TESTS

Right then, that caps off an entertaining Test match, with the last two days proving to be nothing short of a blockbuster. Contrasting emotions are evident as Kraigg Brathwaite and Mehidy Hasan collect the trophy, with the series ending 1-1, their respective teams feeling the weight of victory and defeat. The whites will now give way to coloured clothing as the ODI series and the T20I series follow. All three games of the ODI series will be played at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, with the first game scheduled for Sunday, 8th December. The first ball will be bowled at 1.30 pm GMT but as always, you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The skipper of the West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite says that the talk was about being positive in the chase. Mentions that they are not at the level where they want to be and have a lot of young guys in the group. Tells that the youngsters need to go through more games to gain that experience and they will learn as they play. Mentions that you have to execute plans better and once you start doing that, you can do big things with the bat. Further adds that there are a lot of positives, especially Justin Greaves getting his first hundred. Tells that with the ball, they were good but they need to be consistent to win games.

The captain of Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan says that this was a great win. Mentions that there are still certain areas where they can improve. Shares that they were feeling upbeat despite being bowled out for 164. Feels that all three pacers bowled really well and Taijul Islam was excellent in the second innings. Adds that Taijul has been brilliant for the last ten years. Tells that have a good pace bowling unit at the moment and they as a team, always look to improve with each game.

Taskin Ahmed and Jayden Seales have been declared the joint winners of the PLAYER OF THE SERIES award. Taskin took 11 wickets in the series while Seales had 10 to his name. Taskin says that he is very happy to have got the win and this award. Shares that he is glad to make a comeback to Test cricket and it was not easy to return from the shoulder injury. Feels that the hard work is paying off for them as a fast bowling unit. Further says that he enjoyed the banter with the opposition. Seales says that he has always loved Test cricket and he enjoys the battle with batters. States that his focus has always been on bowling the right lengths and putting pressure on the batters.

Taijul Islam is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliance with the ball. He says that it is always a great feeling to win a Test match abroad. Mentions that the team didn't have much time to prepare before the series, so, he is very happy with the win. He says that these were challenging conditions and feels that the entire team showed a lot of dedication. Reckons that with the pace and spin attack they have, they can compete in any conditions.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Just as Bangladesh were beginning to feel the pressure from the partnership between Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty, Taskin Ahmed provided the breakthrough by dismissing Carty. From there, Taijul Islam took centre stage and dismantled the Windies' batting unit with his 15th Test five-wicket haul. Kavem Hodge tried to keep the fight alive with his assertive footwork and calculated shot selection, but a single lapse in judgment proved costly. The lower order and the tail offered little resistance as Bangladesh marched towards a historic victory.

Earlier on Day 4, the tourists resumed with a lead of 211 runs and five wickets in hand. Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Jaker Ali held firm with a remarkable 91-run knock. His innings proved pivotal, adding valuable runs and propelling Bangladesh to a commanding lead of 286. Faced with a daunting target, well beyond the highest successful run chase of 212 in Tests at Sabina Park, the Windies were staring at history. Their chase got off to a rocky start, with Mikyle Louis falling early. Kraigg Brathwaite, however, batted proactively on either side of the Lunch break as he tried to anchor his team's response.

The third day, known as the 'moving day,' truly delivered, with the momentum swinging in favour of Bangladesh dramatically. Nahid Rana spearheaded the tourists' fightback, claiming his maiden Test five-wicket haul as the hosts crumbled from a comfortable 85/1 to 146 all out, conceding an 18-run lead. In their second innings, Bangladesh's batters showcased intent, with Shahadat Hossain, Shadman Islam, and Mehidy Hasan making significant contributions to put their side in a commanding position.

Day 2 began steadily for Bangladesh, but their troubles started when Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph were introduced into the attack. Joseph struck first, and Seales followed, wreaking havoc on the tourists. Despite some resistance from Mehidy Hasan and the tail, Bangladesh were bowled out for 164. Seales was the standout with sensational figures of 15.5-10-5-4, while Joseph chipped in with three wickets. In reply, the Windies lost Mikyle Louis early but skipper Kraigg Brathwaite anchored the innings, guiding his side to 70/1 at stumps on Day 2, trailing by 94 runs.

Test cricket returned to Sabina Park after three years, but rain in the lead-up to the match led to a damp start, with only 30 overs possible on the opening day. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat, but Kemar Roach struck early with two quick wickets. However, Shadman Islam's gritty half-century, supported by Shahadat Hossain, steadied the innings. Both batters survived dropped catches, allowing the visitors to end the day on a positive note.

Bangladesh script a famous win in Kingston! The Tigers have secured their first Test victory in the Caribbean in 15 years, levelling the two-match series 1-1 with an emphatic 101-run win. Few could have anticipated such a turnaround, especially considering the absences of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, coupled with the drubbing they endured in the first Test. As for the West Indies, they will have been outplayed and outclassed over the last couple of days. Having bowled Bangladesh out for 164 and being at 85/1 in their first innings, they let the game slip from that position and never managed to regain their foothold in the contest.

OUT! TIMBER!  Nahid Rana wraps things up, and Bangladesh secure a famous victory! Staying around the wicket, Rana changes things up after a barrage of short balls, delivering a pinpoint yorker on off and middle. Shamar Joseph, deep in his crease, clears his front leg and attempts a hoick across the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball crashes into the stumps. This seals a monumental win for Bangladesh - ending a 15-year wait for a Test victory in the Caribbean!

OUT! TIMBER!  Nahid Rana wraps things up, and Bangladesh secure a famous victory! Staying around the wicket, Rana changes things up after a barrage of short balls, delivering a pinpoint yorker on off and middle. Shamar Joseph, deep in his crease, clears his front leg and attempts a hoick across the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball crashes into the stumps. This seals a monumental win for Bangladesh - ending a 15-year wait for a Test victory in the Caribbean!

FOUR! Smacked!. Pitched in short and angled towards the batter. Shamar Joseph backs away and swats it through mid-wicket for another boundary.

A swing and a miss again. Dug in short again and Shamar Joseph takes a swing at it again and bit misses again as it goes over and through to the keeper.

Goes short again from around the wicket. Shamar Joseph makes room to pull it towards the leg side but the ball whizzes past over the top of the batter.

FOUR! Slapped and slapped hard! Pitched in short again, from around the stumps. Shamar Joseph shuffles towards the line of the ball and flat bats it past the bowler towards long on boundary.