West Indies defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets in the first Test in Mirpur on Saturday, with Brandon King scoring a career-best unbeaten 81. The visitors reached their target of 170 in 35.1 overs on the fourth day to move ahead in the two-match series. King faced 115 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and a six.
The chase followed a strong bowling performance that dismissed Bangladesh for 142 in their second innings. Captain Roston Chase returned figures of 5-36, recording his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests. Jomel Warrican took 4-63 after collecting five wickets in the first innings and was named player of the match. Bangladesh’s second innings lasted 48.4 overs.
Bangladesh began the day on 79-6 with a lead of 106, but lost Jaker Ali early when he edged Warrican to Chase at slip. Jaker’s 22 from 34 balls would prove the innings’ second-highest score. Nayeem Hasan kept the hosts going, benefiting from dropped catches off Chase when he was on 21 and 29.
Nayeem shared a 26-run stand with Hasan Mahmud, who was trapped lbw by Warrican for eight. Taijul Islam also scored eight, contributing to a partnership of 17 before Chase dismissed him with Bangladesh on 127-9. Nayeem reached his first Test half-century in 87 balls, including four boundaries, before Joshua Bishop caught him attempting to clear long-on off Chase. He finished with 52 from 91 deliveries, while Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten on seven.
King and fellow opener John Campbell gave West Indies a confident start, reaching 64 without loss in 14.1 overs before rain stopped play. Following a delay of about an hour, the pair added 23 more runs before bad light and lightning caused another interruption lasting 45 minutes.
Campbell was bowled by Shoriful for 49 from 55 balls, an innings featuring six fours and a six. King received a reprieve on 70 when substitute fielder Ebadot Hossain dropped him off Taijul after the break. He remained unbeaten to guide West Indies to victory.
Chase said his side wanted to win the series and improve their ranking, crediting their determination after conceding a first-innings lead. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his team had failed to carry out their plans across all three departments, particularly in the field. He maintained that their preparation and intentions had been good, while acknowledging the need to improve in the conditions.
The result extended a positive spell for West Indies, who recently challenged India in a one-day series and drew a T20 series 2-2 against the world champions earlier in October. The second Test against Bangladesh begins in Sylhet on November 5.
