HIGHLIGHTS Bangladesh vs West Indies, West Indies in Bangladesh 3 T20I Series 2025, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle and the players of West Indies are waiting patiently near the boundary ropes before taking the field. From the visuals, it looks like there is a fair bit of dew already, which will favor the batters for sure. It will be the duo of Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan to start the innings for Bangladesh. Akeal Hosein will take the new ball for West Indies as he generally does.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, 166 is what Bangladesh need to win and take the crucial 1-0 lead in this series. They are a team in form but the target is a bit more than what we usually see at this venue. West Indies will be eyeing up early wickets as no one knows how much effect the dew will have in this run chase. All in all, it should be a cracker, so stay tuned for the chase.

The man of the moment, Rovman Powell is down for a quick chat. He says that it is important for him to give inspiration to the other guys, being the most senior player. Add that the last few months haven't been great for them. Mentions that it is not an easy track to bat on, and the message to the bowlers will be to control the Powerplay. Reckons it is a good score if they do well in the first six overs, but if not, they might be just 10 runs short as 175 would have been ideal.

Bangladesh will be a tad disappointed as they seemed in control of the innings for much of the 20 overs but having played just 5 bowlers took its toll in the end. Nasum Ahmed started things in a very tidy manner and so did Taskin Ahmed but he was taken to the cleaners in his 2nd over. Rishad Hossain did get a wicket but was very expensive as Taskin came back strongly to pick up two wickets. Mustafizur Rahman showed good consistency but Tanzim Hasan Sakib got hit for plenty in the final over, costing a huge momentum shift in this game.

After electing to bat first, West Indies couldn't get off the blocks quickly in the Powerplay but they did well not to lose any wickets either. However, just when Alick Athanaze started to fire, he got out and Brandon King had to keep anchoring from one end. Skipper Shai Hope looked in pristine touch but King struggled for timing and got out soon after the drinks break. Having lost two wickets in two balls, West Indies needed a rebuild and that's exactly what they got. Rovman Powell used all his experience to hang around and chanced his arm at the death and both he and Hope finished with unbeaten scores in the 40s.

Carnage in the end from Rovman Powell in what is his 100th T20I for West Indies and together with skipper Shai Hope, he has taken the visitors to a solid total. The Windies' innings was simmering all throughout but in the end, they will be pretty pleased about the score on the board.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, A couple of runs to end the innings then! Tanzim Hasan Sakib goes fuller and on off, Rovman Powell drills it wide of long off for a couple of runs. The throw comes in at the batter's end, but as Powell is running back, he unknowingly blocks the vision of Litton Das, who fails to collect the throw. However, the batters do not run on the overthrow. Good spirit shown by the Windies. West Indies finish on 165/3!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, Nicely bowled! Tanzim Hasan Sakib comes around the wicket, nails the yorker, outside off, angling away. Rovman Powell fails to dig it out.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, SIX! THREE IN A ROW! That dropped catch is costing Tanzim Hasan Sakib dearly here. Fuller one and on off, takes pace off. Rovman Powell tries to loft it down the ground but does not get it anywhere from the middle of the bat. However, he still manages to generate enough power from his big muscles, and the fielder at long on only watches the ball sail over his head for half a dozen.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, SIX! TWO IN TWO! Rovman Powell has found his mojo now! A slower one, full and just outside off. Powell extends his arms to reach out for it and dispatches it over the long on fence for another biggie.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, SIX! Up, up and away!  Tanzim Hasan Sakib misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, on middle. Rovman Powell is not going to miss out on that and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shai Hope, In the blockhole, on off, Shai Hope jams it out towards extra covers for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shai Hope, WIDE! Fuller one but down the leg side, Shai Hope misses his flick. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, SIX! Finally connects one! Mustafizur Rahman just misses his legnth, serves this full and around off. Rovman Powell gets his front leg out of the way, crouches low and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a 102-metre six. Extra ball costs Fizz here, but he finishes a superb spell, conceding just 24 runs in his 4 overs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Bangs in a slower bouncer, on middle and off, but just a bit too high for the batter. Rovman Powell leaves it alone. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, Hard-length,on middle and leg, pace on this time. Rovman Powell heaves it off the inner half of the bat wide of short fine. Taskin Ahmed chases after it and dives to parry it towards Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who runs to his right from deep square leg. Good teamwork as they keep it down to two runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Back of a length and on middle, gives no pace at all, Shai Hope mistimes his pull through mid-wicket for another run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, Pitched up and on of, Rovman Powell whips it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Short of a length and outside off, slower too, Shai Hope reaches out and flat-bats it down towards long off for a single. That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Good effort in the deep! Back of a length and around off, Shai Hope backs away and cuts it away nicely wide of deep backward point. Nasum Ahmed runs to his right and dives to make a fine stop. Two taken.

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Taskin Ahmed bangs this into the pitch, outside off, width on offer. Rovman Powell slashes hard at it but gets an outside edge over short third for a boundary. 15 runs off the over!

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, It's just not happening for Rovman Powell! Short of a length and on off, slower again. Powell looks to pull but gets an inside edge towards deep mid-wicket and calls for the second run. Shamim Hossain charges onto the ball and tries to pick it up with one hand but lets it through and the batters get the double comfortably. Litton Das is not happy with that effort!

Taskin Ahmed to Shai Hope, Misses the yorker and bowls a low full toss, on middle, Shai Hope thumps it off the bottom half of the bat towards long on for another run.

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Rovman Powell drills it to long on for a run.

Taskin Ahmed to Shai Hope, Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off again, Shai Hope nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Taskin Ahmed to Shai Hope, SIX! BOOM! That'll help! Taskin Ahmed tries the slower one, but serves this right in the slot on middle. Shai Hope takes a couple of steps forward and launches it high and handsomely over the bowler's head for his fourth biggie of the game.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Pitched up and on off, Shai Hope drills it to sweeper covers for one. 4 runs off the over. Fizz has conceded just 10 runs in his 3 overs. Incredible!

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, Short again, on off, Rovman Powell swats it to long on for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, Swing and miss! Mustafizur Rahman hits the length hard, on off, angling it away. Rovman Powell tries to target the legs die and swings acoss the line but misses.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Back of a length and on fof, Shai Hope punches it towards mid off for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, Hard length outside off, angling away again, Rovman Powell fails to guide it away. Litton Das also fails to grab it and parries it towards fly slip. A bye taken.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rovman Powell, DROPPED! That should have been taken! Good length and aroud off, angles away a bit. Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but gets a thick outside edge. It flies straight to short thrid, where Tanzim Hasan Sakib tries to grab it near his midriff but spills it out. Powell has not got going yet, but this might just give him that push.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shai Hope, FOUR! Wonderful innovation! Tanzim Hasan Sakib goes much fuller, on middle. Shai Hope gets into position quickly, holds his bat like a frying pan and nails the reverse scoop over short third for a boundary.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, Takes all the pace off, short of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell miscues his pull towards square leg for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shai Hope, Tanzim Hasan Sakib nails the yokrer, angling into leg, Shai Hope fails to clip it away as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye taken. There is a shout for LBW, but nothing doing.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, Touch fuller and angling into the pads, Rovman Powell flicks it away towards deep square leg for another run. Still not able to find the middle of the bat is Powell.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shai Hope, Back of a length and around off, Shai Hope punches it through covers for a run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rovman Powell, An off-cutter, on a length and on off, Rovman Powell bunts it down on the pitch as the ball goes over the stumps and behind. The batters quickly set off for a single and completes it as Litton Das misses his shy with an underarm throw.

Nasum Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Flatter one around middle, turned away wide of long on for a single. End of a tidy spell from Nasum, just 15 runs off his 4 overs.

Nasum Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Powell is getting bogged down here. The arm-ball now, attacking off stump, Powell backs away and just about jams it out.

Nasum Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Floated up, a bit fuller and straighter, Powell blocks it off.

Nasum Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Slows it up, bowling it on a nagging length on off, Powell fails to get it away.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, Fired in on a length and at 90.4 clicks on off, Hope forces it through mid off and picks up a single.

Nasum Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Quick and short, darted in from outside off, Powell jams out the cut in front of square on the off side for a single.

Nasum Ahmed (3-0-12-0) to bowl out as well now.

Rishad Hossain to Rovman Powell, Oh, a leading edge but Powell gets away with it. Nagging length on off, the ball holds in the deck as well. Powell gets caught on the crease and gets a leading edge towards point. They do get the single.

Rishad Hossain to Rovman Powell, Tossed up, a bit fuller and on middle and leg, Powell defends it down the line.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Fractionally short outside off, tapped away past point for a quick single.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Slows it up and bowls it on a nagging length outside off, this one turns as well and Hope plays it out.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, SIX! Hope has taken a liking to Rishad's leg spin. Another fuller one at the stumps, Hope reaches out and drags the slog sweep flat and hard over cow corner for another biggie.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, SIX! That's a clean strike! Tossed up, too full and straight, Shai Hope clears the front leg and hits through the line, smashing the ball back onto the sighscreen for a 96-meter biggie.

Change of ends for Rishad Hossain.

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, Short ball, dug in around off stump, Powell looks to pull but gets hurried off the surface and ends up getting and inside edge onto the body. Excellent comeback over from Taskin.

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, On the money! Good-length delivery, pitches on off and darts back in. Powell watchfully plays it out.

Taskin Ahmed to Shai Hope, Hard length in the channel, on a tight line around off, Hope stays back and nudges it down late through short third for a run.

Taskin Ahmed to Rovman Powell, No hat-trick! Full and wide outside off, Rovman Powell leans across and just eases it wide of mid off for a single.

Rovman Powell walks out to face the hat-trick ball. This is also his 100th T20I, and he was presented with a memento by Jason Holder just before the start of this game.

Taskin Ahmed to Sherfane Rutherford, OUT! CAUGHT! Two in two for Taskin Ahmed and West Indies lose their 3rd wicket. Bowled back of a length and over middle and leg. Sherfane Rutherford hangs back and takes on the pull but a bit of extra bounce means that the top edge is found. The ball gets skied up very high and comes down around the vacant short fine leg region. The keeper, Litton Das, calls for it early and settles under it to take a very fine catch. Rutherford goes for a golden duck and Taskin is on a hat-trick.

Sherfane Rutherford comes out to the middle now.

Taskin Ahmed to Brandon King, OUT! CAUGHT! Swung away but straight to the fielder! Taskin Ahmed starts the new spell with a hard-length delivery and shapes it into the body of the batter. Brandon King swivels and swipes it away flat to the right of deep square leg but Tanzim Hasan Sakib over there takes a sharp catch and King has to walk back after a sluggish knock of 33 from 36 balls.

Rishad Hossain gets a bit of rest. Taskin Ahmed (2-0-19-0) is back on.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Goes fuller and wider but takes pace off as well. Brandon King reaches out to drive but does so uppishly and through covers for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shai Hope, Back of a length and outside off, punched off the back foot and square behind point for one more.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Just back of a length, angled across from leg stump, King is late on the pull and jams it in front of square leg for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Fuller this time and angled well across off, King pushes on the up and plays it to covers.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Back of a length and quicker this time, King gets rushed while looking to pull and gets hit on the body.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Beaten! Cutter from Fizz, bowled on a nagging length on off and angling across. King gets beaten past the outside edge as he looks to drive.

Mustafizur Rahman comes back into the attack for his second over. He conceded just 4 runs in his first.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Nicely tossed up at the stumps, King clears the front leg to heave but mistimes it down to long on for another single.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Nagging length around off, Hope goes onto the back foot and pushes at it but gets a leading edge through cover-point for one more.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Bowled flatter and at the stumps, swatted down to long on for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Lovely delivery! Rishad slows it right up and floats it wide outside off. Brandon King has a swipe across the line but gets beaten by the turn and bounce.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Pushed through quicker and fuller outside off. King looks to drive but gets rushed off the track and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, SIX! Poor delivery and aptly dealt with by Brandon King. A half tracker on off and middle, King rocks back and flat-bats the pull in front of mid-wicket for a biggie.

Drinks break! Midway through the first innings and this has been pretty even-stevens. West Indies are scoring at just 7 runs per over but have 9 wickets in hand and will be looking to set up for a big finish. Brandon King has played 25 balls already and does need to get a move on as Bangladesh and their bowlers will continue their search for wickets. Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman will be key for the hosts if they are to restrict West Indies to under 150 runs.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, Almost goes through! Quicker arm ball, shortish and on middle, angles in sharply and skids through too. Shai Hope gets stuck in his crease and just about manages to get some bat on it to keep it out.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, SIX! Superb shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Shai Hope clears his front leg away, gets underneath the ball and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, Flatter, short and around leg, Shai Hope nudges it to short fine.

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Short and on off, Brandon King punches it through covers for a run.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, Uppish but safe! Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away again but sticks to the surface as well. Shai Hope goes through his push a bit early and ends up chipping it in the air. Luckily for him, it goes over the extra fielder and lands safely. They cross.

Nasum Ahmed to Shai Hope, Floated, full and on middle, turns away, Shai Hope stays back and blocks it back to the bowler.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Drags his length back, on middle, Shai Hope punches it to long on for one more. Just 4 runs and a wicket from the over.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Looped up, full and on off, Shai Hope knocks it back to the bowler.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Short and outside off, Brandon King cuts it to deep point for one.

Rishad Hossain to Shai Hope, Flighted, full and on off, Shai Hope drives it to long off for a single.

Skipper, Shai Hope walks in at number 3 for the Windies.

Rishad Hossain to Alick Athanaze, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Rishad Hossain gets the first breakthrough for Bangladesh! This is also his 100th T20 wicket. He floats it up, full and around middle, turning it away a shy bit. Alick Athanaze goes down for the reverse sweep but the ball just bounces a bit extra. He misses it as the ball goes off his pads, onto his gloves, and then drops and hits the stumps behind. A bit unlucky, but Athanaze has to walk back for 34 off 27. West Indies are 59/1!

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Shorter in length and around middle, Brandon King backs away and swats it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Brandon King, Hard length and on off, takes pace off, Brandon King pushes it through cover-point for one more. 10 runs off the over, 23 in the last two!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, Good length and around off, Alick Athanaze runs it down to third man for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, SIX! Into the stands! Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one into the pitch but down the leg side. Alick Athanaze picks it up nicely and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Brandon King, Change of pace, back of a length and on middle, Brandon King looks to pull it away but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad. The ball rolls towards point and the batters scampers across for a quick run. 50 up for West Indies!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, Short of a length and around off, Alick Athanaze steers it through backward point for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, On a length and on middle, Alick Athanaze pats it towards short mid-wicket.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Big shout for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and around middle, turns away. Brandon King goes down on one knee to sweep it away but misses and gets hit high on the back pad. There is a long discussion between Litton Das and Rishad Hossain, but they do not take the review. Turns out to be a good call as Ball Ttacking after the over shows that the impact was outside off.

Rishad Hossain to Alick Athanaze, Flighted, full and on leg, Alick Athanaze tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Rishad Hossain to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Gets it away! Pushed through quicker, short and just outside off, Alick Athanaze moves back and tries to cut it late. Gets a bottom edge as the ball races to the vacant deep third ence for a boundary.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, Flatter, short and on middle, Brandon King heaves it away towards deep square leg for a run.

Rishad Hossain to Brandon King, SIX! BANG! Brandon King goes big now! Floated, full and on off, turns away a bit. King crouches low, stretches out to get under it and lofts it away. He does not get it from the middle but gets enough power to clear long off with ease for the first biggie of the match.

Rishad Hossain to Alick Athanaze, Shorter in length and around leg, turns in, Alick Athanaze nudges it towards square leg for a single.

The field spreads after the Powerplay and on comes Rishad Hossain to bowl.

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Arm ball, full and on leg, going with the arm but keeps low. Brandon King backs away to drive it away but misses. Litton Das, the keeper, also fails to collect it cleanly, or else there could have been a stumping chance. Just one runs off the over. Excellent stuff! West Indies are 35 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Tossed up, full and outside off, turns away too. Brandon King makes room but gets too far away from the ball. He tries to reach out for it but only manages to stab it back to the bowler.

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Slows it up, short again and on off, Brandon King punches it wide of the bowler. Nasum Ahmed dives to his left to make a good stop.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Slightly shorter in length, on middle, Alick Athanaze swats it wide of mid on for a single.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Floated, full and on middle, Alick Athanaze drills it towards mid on.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Good shot but for no runs! Flatter, full and on middle, Alick Athanaze goes down, takes it on the full and plays the reverse sweep but straight to point.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Slower one, pitched up around off, King gets into a tangle and tries to get low and scoop it away but misses and gets hit on the body.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Good intent but no timing at all on that one. Good length around leg, King backs away and comes down the pitch and just checks the shot, hitting it straight down the ground between mid off and mid on for a couple of runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, Back of a length over middle and leg, this one skids and King gets rushed while looking to pull and hits the ball straight to mid-wicket.

Mustafizur Rahman to Alick Athanaze, Slightly back of a length and slower too, wide outside off, Athanaze keeps an open stance and taps it past point for one more.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, That in-between length, on middle and angled across, King hangs back and glides the cut down to deep backward point for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Brandon King, On a nagging length, pitches around leg and skids through, King pushes it back to the bowler.

Mustafizur Rahman has been introduced into the attack now.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Streaky but will do nicely for Alick Athanaze and West Indies and 17 runs come off that over. Banged in short over middle, Athanaze gets inside the line to pull it fine but gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head, and one bounce over the ropes.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Comes around the wicket now, bowls a slower one and angles it into the batter. Athanaze looks to work it away but wears it high on the pads.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Taskin is all over the place with his lines. Short of a length but wide outside off, Athanaze waits back well and cuts it between backward point and short third for another boundary. 13 off the over already!

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Wide! Quick and full, but slanted down the leg side for another wide. Good take from Litton Das down to his right.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Wide! Another slower one, and again it is drifted down the leg side for a wide.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Swatted away! Short of a length and outside off, sits up nicely for the batter. Athanaze drags the flat-batted pull wide of mid on and picks up a boundary.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Wide! Attempted slower one, a touch full but well down the leg side.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, In the air... but will land safely! Pitched-up delivery at the stumps, Alick Athanaze is early into the heave and ends up skying it high over mid-wicket. Two fielders run after it but neither quite goes for the catch and the batters end up picking up a couple of runs.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Good carry through to the keeper! Short of a good length and angled across off, jammed into the deck. Athanaze is beaten for pace and bounce.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Brandon King, FOUR! Banged in short and towards the batter, King gets inside the line nicely and swivels to pull it up and over backward square leg for the first boundary of the game.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, So much happening out there in the middle. Pitched up around middle, swinging in late. Alick Athanaze plays all around it and gets pinged on the back pad. The Bangladeshi players appeal but it is turned down as there seemed to be an inside edge on it. The ball rolls towards point and the batters look for a single but decide against it. Rishad Hossain missed the shy at the keeper's end and the batters do eventually get the single via the overthrow. UltraEdge confirmed the inside edge, and the replay shows that Alick was a goner if there was a direct hit.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, Shorter in length and down the leg side, Athanaze gets hurried off the deck and fails to pull it away as the ball goes off the body and down to short fine leg.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Brandon King, On a good length, at 138.4 clicks and angled into the batter. King clips it firmly in front of square leg for just another single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Brandon King, Keeps a shade low! Length ball outside off, shaping away a touch, King gets taken aback by the lack of bounce and jams it out to covers.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Alick Athanaze, On a good length and on leg stump, tucked away down to deep backward square leg for a single by Athanaze.

Just one over of spin from Nasum Ahmed then. Here is Tanzim Hasan Sakib replacing him.

Taskin Ahmed to Brandon King, Banged in well short and outside off, seams away a bit as well. Brandon King swivels to pull but only connects with thin air.

Taskin Ahmed to Brandon King, Pitches the ball further up and on off stump, King watchfully blocks it off.

Taskin Ahmed to Brandon King, Uppish but will evade the fielder! Hard length outside off, seaming away, King throws his hands at it and slashes it away over a leaping Rishad Hossain at backward point for a couple of runs in the deep.

Taskin Ahmed to Brandon King, Top effort in the field! Dug in a bit short and wide, Brandon King stays upright and smashes it square on the off side but Shamim Hossain dives to his right at cover-point and makes a stellar stop.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Nice and full, swinging into the batter. Athanaze looks to come forward and flicks but gets it off the pads past square leg for a leg bye.

Taskin Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, That is a ripper of a delivery to start with! Pitches the ball a shade fuller of good length and on middle. The ball seams away off the deck and completely squares up Alick Athanaze.

Pace from the other end as Taskin Ahmed will share the attack.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Full and straight again, hit down to mid on for an easy single. Tidy start from Nasum Ahmed, just 3 off the first over.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Full and straight, angling in, Athanaze takes the front leg out and goes for the heave leg side but miscues it badly to square leg.

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Angled in with the arm and towards middle, King hangs back and tucks it neatly through mid-wicket for a single.

Nasum Ahmed to Brandon King, Around the wicket to the right-hander, bowling it short and around off. Brandon King gets behind the line and blocks it off.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Off the mark with a reverse sweep! Flatter delivery, bowled on off, Athanaze sits down and reverses it to the left of backward point for a quick single and West Indies are underway.

Nasum Ahmed to Alick Athanaze, Darted in from over the wicket, a bit of curve into the left-hander. Alick Athanaze hangs back to defend.

All in readiness now! The fans have come in numbers for this game in Chattogram, and there is a buzz around the stadium. We can see the Bangladesh players spread out and take their respective field positions. Alick Athanaze and Brandon King are the two openers for West Indies. Litton Das is going with spin straightaway, as he has handed over the new ball to Nasum Ahmed. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Mahroof is pitchside. He says that conditions are quite muggy but perfect for cricket. Adds that the pitch is much lighter than the one in Mirpur and there are cracks on this track, but they aren't shaky. Reckons that the ball will come onto the bat much better and feels that even though the recent average score here batting first has been 148, it is a 160-plus wicket.

We are moments away from the start of the first T20I, but before that, the players from both sides walk out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. The players first observe a minute's silence following the passing away of Barishal Division physio, Hasan Mahmud, who was just 47 years old. On to the anthems then, it will be West Indies' first, followed by the national anthem of Bangladesh.

Litton Das, the skipper of Bangladesh says that he is definitely fully fit. Adds that he didn't do much training in the last few weeks because with that type of injury, you cannot train much, but he is feeling good. Adds that they have played a lot of cricket here in BPL and do not mind batting second on this wicket. Ends by saying that they are playing with three seamers, two spinners, and six batters.

Shai Hope, the captain of West Indies, says that they will bat first because it looks a bit dry to begin with and want to get the best batting conditions. Adds that they need to put the ODI series behind them and start afresh against a strong Bangladesh side. Reckons that it is important to start with a win here and feels that the surface does look on the drier side, and they'll have to wait and see if it stays that way.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (C/WK), Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (C)/WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

TOSS - West Indies have won the toss and elected to BAT first.

The first T20I, scheduled at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, sets the stage for a tight contest. The venue typically offers a balanced surface with an average first-innings score around 140-150, where spin often plays a significant role as the match progresses. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first, anticipating the pitch to get slower. While Bangladesh is favored due to their home advantage and recent T20I form, the inclusion of a more complete T20 unit for West Indies—including their power-hitting depth—suggests an evenly-matched battle. This opener will be a litmus test for the tourists' resurgence and Bangladesh's continued dominance in the shortest format at home. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

For West Indies, this series is a crucial opportunity to salvage pride and find form after a disappointing loss in the ODI leg and a surprising T20I series defeat to Nepal recently. Captain Shai Hope will lead a side that welcomes back key T20 specialists like all-rounder Jason Holder and hard-hitting Rovman Powell, additions that significantly strengthen their team balance and big-hitting capabilities. The squad is a mix of seasoned T20 performers and emerging talent, and the visitors will need their Caribbean flair to shine through immediately, with players like Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford key to setting or chasing totals, especially against Bangladesh's spin challenge.

The opening match of the three-T20I series between Bangladesh and West Indies promises a fresh start for both teams as the action moves to the shorter format in Chattogram, following the conclusion of the ODI series which the hosts won 2-1. Bangladesh, riding high on the confidence of their bilateral ODI success and a recent 3-0 T20I series whitewash against Afghanistan, will look to extend their winning streak on home soil. A major boost for the Tigers is the return of captain Litton Das, who missed a significant period due to injury, adding stability and firepower to the top order. With a spin-heavy attack featuring the likes of Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain well-suited to the subcontinental conditions, Bangladesh enters this contest with a settled look and strong momentum. On that note, welcome to the coverage!

... MATCH DAY ...

The highly anticipated three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and West Indies is set to kick off with both teams eager to claim an early advantage. Bangladesh, riding high on confidence after a strong run in the format this year and a recent ODI series win over the same opponents, will be bolstered by the return of their captain, Litton Das. Their spin attack, spearheaded by Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed, is expected to be a potent force on spin-friendly home conditions, while their batting lineup, featuring a blend of experience and young talent like Tawhid Hridoy, will aim to build on the momentum from the ODI leg. Meanwhile, the West Indies, known for their explosive style in T20I cricket, will look to bounce back and prove their mettle, relying on power-hitters like Shai Hope and Brandon King to set the tone. Experienced all-rounders like Jason Holder and a solid spin duo featuring Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will be crucial in navigating the middle overs and adapting to the Bangladeshi pitches. As the two teams clash in Chattogram, the stage is set for a thrilling battle of Bangladesh's strategic approach versus the West Indies' aggressive power game, with both sides needing to find ways to counter each other's strengths. Bangladesh's spinners will look to contain the West Indies' power-hitters, while the visitors will need to find a way to handle the turning ball. With the series opener promising to be a hard-fought and compelling contest, both teams will be keen to take a crucial lead.