John Campbell smashed the winning six as West Indies needed only seven more overs to beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first Test on Sunday. West Indies finished on 88/3 after resuming the fourth day on 49/3 in its second innings and needing 35 more runs to clinch the series opener. (More Cricket News)
Campbell accelerated his scoring rate on Sunday and finished the match with a six over long-off against Najmul Hossain Shanto. He hit nine fours and one six in his 58 not out. Jermaine Blackwood at the other end was undefeated on 26 after the pair came to their team's rescue with a fourth-wicket partnership of 79.
Out-of-form Bangladesh had given the hosts a scare on Saturday, at one stage reducing the West Indies to 9/3 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. West Indies scored 265 in its first innings. Bangladesh had 103 and 245.
Bangladesh medium-pacer Khaled Ahmed, who took three wickets in 11 balls on day three, was unable to break through again. He finished with 3/27 from eight overs. The second and final Test starts Friday.
Since their famous win at Mount Maunganui against New Zealand, Bangladesh have suffered five heavy defeats in six Tests. Kemar Roach, who starred for West Indies with a five-wicket haul, stated patience was the key on this wicket.
“We had to be patient. The pitch played better and the ball got softer. We did well with the second new ball, the supporting guys were fantastic. It's a good performance because we won the game as well, definitely in the top five,” added Roach, who grabbed his tenth Test fifer.
