Taijul Islam made a triumphant return to One Day International cricket with his maiden five-wicket haul as Bangladesh completed another series sweep of the West Indies, winning the third and final match by four wickets at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday.
Playing his first ODI in more than two years, Taijul got off to a fine start with a wicket off his first ball and set the stage for an outstanding effort. He finished with impressive figures of five for 28 as the home team were bowled out for 178 in 48.4 overs, batting first.
Bangladesh stumbled on their way to a modest target chase with Gudakesh Moti claiming career-best figures of four for 23.
However, the left-arm spinner could not stop the tourists from reaching the target with nine balls to spare.
Liton Das set the Bangladeshis with 50 on the way to their 11th consecutive ODI win over West Indies, while captain Tamim Iqbal played his part with 34.
They were determined to trip themselves up with some careless shots, though partnership with Mehdi Hasan saw them home before wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten 32.
On receiving the man of the match award, Taijul said through an interpreter, “I was very fortunate to have a chance on this tour because I was practicing and working very hard and I am glad that I made full use of it.” did.”
His hunt included top-scorer Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies captain embellishing his innings with two sixes and four fours, hitting 73 off 109 balls in ODIs.
Only three other players came in double digits, another sub-par batting effort by a Caribbean team.
“I thought I still had a few runs to spare, but I am happy to finally get a good score in the ODIs, although losing again is disappointing,” Pooran said.
“We have to raise our heads from here and try to learn from this experience because we have two more tough opponents before we get the break.”
Another three-match ODI series against West Indies begins India In Trinidad on Friday, it was followed by five T20 Internationals.
They will then take on New Zealand in three ODIs and three T20Is.
“I am really proud of this group that they have won the ODI series away from home,” Tamim said, adding that the win follows similar success in the previous campaign in South Africa.
“We are missing three players in our top five, so big credit should be given to these players who stepped up to the challenge and gave it.”
Scoring 116 runs in three matches at an average of 58, the Bangladesh captain earned the additional man of the series award.
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