John Campbell smashed the winning six as West Indies needed only seven more overs to beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first Test in North Sound, Antigua, on Sunday. Needing 84 for victory, West Indies finished on 88 for 3 after resuming the fourth day on 49 for 3 in their second innings.
Campbell accelerated his scoring rate on Sunday and finished the match with a six over long off against Najmul Hossain. He hit nine fours and one six in his 58 not out.
Jermaine Blackwood at the other end was undefeated on 26 after the pair came to their team’s rescue with a fourth-wicket partnership of 79.
Bangladesh had given the hosts a scare on Saturday, reducing them to 9 for 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. West Indies scored 265 in their first innings. Bangladesh managed 103 and 245.
Bangladesh medium-pacer Khaled Ahmed, who took three wickets in 11 balls on Day III, was unable to break through again. He finished with 3/27 from eight overs.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite lauded the team effort especially Man of the Match Kemar Roach’s effort. The pacer took seven wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
“I thought Bangladesh bowled well. We batted more than 100-overs which was quite good as well. The coaching staff has been good and Roach has been bowling well,” Brathwaite said.
“The pitch had some moisture. It doesn’t mean that the opposition is going to roll over. Roach is a champion and he adds a lot to the team. The win motivates us to push ourselves more. Very pleasing to see Campbell get a half-century. He has good ability.”
Bangladesh captain Shakib-al Hassan blamed their batting for the loss.
“The toss of course played a significant part. That said, we needed to apply ourselves better. Going into lunch six wickets down wasn’t a good thing. That first session killed the match for us,” Shakib said.
The second and final Test starts Friday.
Brief scores: Bangladesh: 103 & 245. WI 265 & 88/3 (Khaled Ahmed 3/27). WI won by 7 wkts.
(Written with PTI inputs)
