OTD 2018: Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win by an innings

Bangladesh over the years have been taking steps constantly to grow into a dominant force in Test cricket and they had their first reward for it in 2018 against West Indies. On this day (December 2) four years back, Bangladesh recorded their first-ever Test victory by an innings, in Mirpur against the West Indies and won the series 2-0 comfortably.

Bangladesh elected to bat first after winning the toss and the debutant Shadman Islam scored a hard fought 76-run knock at the top of the order to setup the base for the hosts. Mahmudullah scored a fantastic century while half-centuries from Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das took Bangladesh to 508 in their first innings. Kemar Roach, Devendra Bishoo, Jomel Warrican picked up two wickets each for the visitors as they had a big talk on hands.

In reply, the West Indies side bundled out for just 111 runs in their first innings, thanks to a phenomenal spell from Mehidy Hasan Miraz who finished with 7 for 58. Shimron Hetmyer and Shane Dowrich were the only two batters who got starts for West Indies as they had no answers to the spin force from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh enforced the follow on and yet again the visitors could manage just 213 on the board. Hetmyer’s 93 was the top score for West Indies while most of the batters could not convert their good starts. It was the off-spinner, Mehidy who did the damage and he picked up another five wicket-haul to end up with match figures of 12 for 117. The young spinner also picked up the player of the match and it was a memorable victory for the Bangladesh side.

Since then, Bangladesh have struggled largely in the longer format and they will be hoping to make a strong statement in the upcoming home Tests against India.