Powell, Seales Star as Windies Take 1-0 Lead

CHATTOGRAM (ATP): West Indies defeated Bangladesh by 16 runs in the first T20 International of the three-match series at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, thanks to a late onslaught by Rovman Powell and clinical bowling from Jayden Seales and Jason Holder.

Electing to bat first, the visitors posted a challenging total of 165/3 in their 20 overs. The innings saw a solid start from openers Alick Athanaze (34 off 27) and Brandon King (33 off 36), who put on a 59-run partnership. However, quick strikes by Taskin Ahmed (2/36) left the Windies at 82/3 after 12.2 overs.

A blistering, unbroken 83-run partnership off just 45 balls between captain Shai Hope (an unbeaten 46 off 28) and Rovman Powell propelled the score past 160. Powell, who was adjudged Player of the Match, was the chief aggressor, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 28 deliveries, which included four sixes, providing the crucial momentum at the death.

Chasing 166, Bangladesh’s batting unit faltered against a disciplined West Indies attack. Jayden Seales (3/32) and Jason Holder (3/31) were the primary destroyers, dismantling the host’s lineup. Akeal Hosein (2/22) also played a pivotal role in restricting the flow of runs. Despite a fighting resistance from Tanzim Hasan Sakib (33 off 27) and Towhid Hridoy (28 off 25), Bangladesh were ultimately bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs.

The 16-run victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second T20I scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.