Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by seven runs in a thrilling finish to the first T20I of their three-match series on December 16, 2024, at Arnos Vale, St. Vincent. After electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a total of 147/6, thanks to solid contributions from Soumya Sarkar (43) and Mehidy Hasan, who added 26 off 24 balls. Despite early setbacks, West Indies mounted a strong fight, led by captain Rovman Powell, who scored a fiery 60 off 35 balls.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Mehidy, took control with crucial wickets, leaving West Indies at 61/7 by the 12th over. Powell’s partnership with Romario Shepherd (21*) almost turned the game around, with the duo adding 67 runs in just 33 balls for the eighth wicket.
In the final over, with 10 runs required, Hasan Mahmud bowled a brilliant last over, removing Powell and Alzarri Joseph to seal the victory. The match was an exciting contest between the bat and ball, with both teams showing their fighting spirit throughout. Bangladesh’s win was especially significant after losing three consecutive ODIs, providing a much-needed morale boost ahead of the rest of the series
The victory marked a historic moment for Bangladesh, as they won their first-ever T20I against the West Indies on their home soil. Despite their early struggles in the ODI series, the team’s resilience in this format showcased their potential to challenge top teams. The thrilling nature of the win was highlighted by their bowlers, with Mehidy Hasan’s all-round performance being instrumental in restricting the West Indies during their chase. The match not only boosted Bangladesh’s morale but also gave them a strong foundation going forward in the series.