Bangladesh Clinches Thrilling Seven-Run Victory Over West Indies in First T20I

In a nail-biting finish at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Saint Vincent, Hasan Mahmud delivered a stellar final over, leading Bangladesh to a narrow seven-run victory against the West Indies in the first match of their three-match Twenty20 International series on Sunday. After setting a target of 147 runs, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position as West Indies captain Rovman Powell unleashed a powerful innings, scoring 60 runs off just 35 balls, including five fours and four sixes. Powell's explosive batting helped lift his team from a dire situation at 61 for seven in the 12th over, forming a crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 68 runs with Romario Shepherd, who contributed 22 runs. As the match reached its climax, the West Indies needed just nine runs for victory with Powell still at the crease alongside Alzarri Joseph. However, Mahmud rose to the occasion, claiming Powell's wicket caught behind by Bangladesh captain Liton Das on the third ball of the final over. He then bowled Joseph two balls later, leaving Obed McCoy stranded at the other end as Bangladesh secured the win. Earlier in the match, McCoy marked his return to the West Indies team by taking his 50th T20I wicket, finishing with figures of 2 for 30. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein also impressed with his economical bowling, taking 2 for 13 from four overs. Bangladesh, however, found momentum late in their innings thanks to contributions from Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan after being at 96 for five in the 15th over. Opener Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings for Bangladesh with a top score of 43 runs. Hasan Mahmud not only played a crucial role with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 26, but also shone with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs, earning him the "Man of the Match" award. Match Summary: • 1st T20I: Bangladesh 147/6 (Soumya Sarkar 43, Shamim Hossain 27) defeated West Indies 140 all out in 19.5 overs (Rovman Powell 60; Mahedi Hasan 4/13) by 7 runs.