On this day: Bangladesh register their first victory by innings in Test cricket
The biggest victory for Bangladesh before the Mirpur Test against West Indies in 2018 was 226 runs against Zimbabwe in 2005. However, that would change on this day in 2018, when Bangladesh registered their first-ever victory by a margin of an innings against visitors West Indies. Bangladesh had a splendid start on Day 1 as they ended on 259 for 5 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s track.
Bangladesh put up a gritty fight
Debutant Shadman Islam played a solid knock of 76 from 199 deliveries. The contributions of 29 each from Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun proved crucial. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudulah then stitched a partnership. The duo played riskless cricket and tired out the opponents, who were in the field for 5 sessions now. The 111-run stand was broken eventually by Kemar Roach as he dismissed Shakib for 80. Although Mahmudullah continued to pile up runs and his sturdy 136 tied Bangladesh’s innings together.
Walking in at 7, Liton Das took the attack to the opposition and Bangladesh added 128 runs in 25 overs at a healthy run rate of 5 in the first session. The home side eventually posted 508 runs on the board. After keeping the opponents in the field for almost 2 days, the host spinners made the life of the batsmen difficult as Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan took five wickets in the first 12 overs of the visitors’ reply.
Wonderful victory for Bangladesh, their first innings victory in test cricket. West Indies is in a sorry state, Zimbabwe were far more competetive against Bangladesh in same conditions just a month ago #BanvWI
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 2, 2018
The bowlers display their magic
Reeling at 29 for 5, Shimron Hetmyer and Shane Dowrich held the innings for a brief while as West Indies ended day 2 at 75 for 5. However, their first innings was wrapped up within an hour on day 3 as Mehidy claimed 4 wickets and finished with a 7-wicket haul. Bangladesh opted to enforce the follow on – their first instance in Test history. Coming to bat after being wrapped for their lowest score in a Test against Bangladesh (111), the visitors had a mountain to climb. However, continuing with his venomous spell, Mehidy Hasan claimed his second fifer and bagged nine wickets on the third day.
Amidst the rattled lineup of batsmen, striking nine sixes and a four for his 93 off 92, Shimron Hetmyer was the lone man who could tackle the bowlers and could survive in the middle. All 20 wickets of West Indies fell to spinners as Mehidy Hasan finished with match figures of 12 for 117, whereas Shakib bagged an 8-wicket haul. Dismissing Windies for 213 on day 3, Bangladesh thrashed them by an innings and 184 runs to complete a 2-0 whitewash.
