Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh lost to West Indies by eight wickets in the first Twenty20 International match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Opted to bat first, Bangladesh made 129 in 19 overs.
In reply, West Indies reached the winning target in 10.5 overs scoring 130 for the loss of two wickets.
Bangladesh faced a batting collapse as they lost five wickets for 73 runs.
Then Shakib Al Hasan and Ariful Haque made the only notable partnership contributing together 30 runs for the sixth wicket partnership before Ariful Haque (17) was caught at the deep square leg by Nicholas Pooran off Fabian Allen when Bangladesh’s total was 103 for the loss of seven wickets.
Shakib Al Hasan showed a heroic performance making 61. His 43-ball innings was ornamented with eight fours and two sixes. It was Shakib’s ninth T20I half-century. Shakib was caught & bowled by Sheldon Cottrall when Bangladesh’s score was 122 for the loss of eight wickets.
Sheldon Cottrell played the key role to in wrecking Bangladesh’s innings. He captured four wickets at the cost of 28 runs. He was adjudged the Man of the Match for his worthy bowling spell.
West Indies made a good start as openers Ewin Lewis and Sheldon Cottrell put on together 61 runs in the opening stand before Lewis (18) was caught at the long-on by Ariful Haque off Mahammad Saifuddin when the hosts’ total was 51 for the loss of one wicket.
Then Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran added together 47 runs for the second wicket partnership before Hope was caught at the short extra-cover by Mustafizur Rahman off Mahmudullah Riyad when the tourists’ score was 98 for the loss of two wickets. Shai Hope hit a fine 55. His 23-ball knock saw six sixes and three fours.
Then Nocholas Pooran and Keemo Paul guided their team to reach the winning spot.
Paul remained unbeaten with 28, while Porran remained unbeaten with 23.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Mohammad Saifuddin took one wicket each for 13 runs each.
