Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis): Kesrick Williams’ (4/28) career-best bowling figures and a hurricane batting cameo by Andre Russell (35 n o, 21b, 3×4, 3×6) highlighted an efficient effort by the West Indies in defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the rain-affected opener of the three-match T20 series at Warner Park here Tuesday.
After off-spinner Ashley Nurse (2/6) rocked the visitors with the wickets of both openers without scoring in the first over of the match, fast bowler Williams was among the wickets to ensure there would be no substantial recovery for the tourists despite a fighting innings of 35 (27b, 3×4, 2×6) from Mahmudullah which helped Bangladesh finish on 143 for nine.
Set a revised target of 91 off 11 overs after rain delayed the West Indies response by more than 90 minutes, Russell played an aggressive knock to take his side over the line. They reached 93 for three off 9.1 overs.
Russell and Marlon Samuels (25) put on 42 for the third wicket after seamer Mustafizur Rahman (2/18) dispatched opening batsmen Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher without conceding a run in his opening over to give the Bangladeshis hope of restraining the home side.
Rovman Powell then joined Russell after Samuels fell to Rubel Hossain to ensure the Caribbean team romped to the target.
“Our intention is to win this series 3-0 after the disappointment of the ODIs” said Russell, who was adjudged man of the match. “We are mindful of how good this Bangladesh side is but we are feeling good about ourselves.”
Brief scores: Bangladesh 143 for 9 (Mahmudullah 35, Kesrick Williams 4/28, Ashley Nurse 2/6) lost to West Indies (revised target 91 in 11 overs) 93 for 3 (Andre Russell 35 n o, Mustafizur Rahman 2/18) by seven wickets.
