DHAKA, Bangladesh – West Indies secured a thrilling victory by 17 runs over Bangladesh on the fourth day of the second and final Test to complete a clean of sweep of the series on Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall had an exceptional bowling performance ending with match figures of 9-179 off 62 overs to be named Man-of-the-Match. He also held three sharp catches in the second innings – including the last wicket to seal the historic win.
Cornwall followed his 5-74 in the first innings with 4-105 in the second to bowl Bangladesh out for 213, with the hosts chasing a target of 231. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican took 3-47 and skipper Kraigg Brathwaite had 3-25 with his off-breaks as the spinners took all 10 wickets.
Brathwaite said: “It was a total team effort and a fantastic win. It feels great to win the series. We had plans and we came out on top. We are very thankful for the opportunity. I’m, very proud of the team. This will mean a lot to everyone back home.”
Head Coach Phil Simmons was delighted with the performance. “It’s unbelievable … the joy is unbelievable. To come and win back-to-back Test matches is something really great and I’m proud of the way the team played. Kraigg led by example with the way he batted and today he bowled well to get key wickets.”
West Indies won the first Test by three wickets, chasing a huge 395-run target, last Sunday in Chattogram, when Kyle Mayers made 210 not out on debut to seal a memorable win. Nkrumah Bonner, was brilliant in his first and second Test matches and was named Man-of-the-Series. He had scores of 17 and 86 in Chattogram and 90 and 38 in Dhaka.
Simmons added: “Bonner was exceptional. He sat through a few tours and now he got his chance and I’m very happy for him. Cornwall was brilliant again and continues to bowl well and learn and improve his skills. To get nine wickets is truly remarkable.”
Summarized scores: West Indies 409 and 117
Bangladesh 296 and 213
Rahkeem Cornwall 9 for 179 from 62 overs