Contrasting half-centuries by Rovman Powell and Brandon King highlighted the West Indies’ 35-run win over Bangladesh in the second T20I in Dominica on Sunday.
Powell’s blistering 61* off 28 balls and opener King’s more measured 57 from 43 deliveries paced the home side to 193-5 batting first in ideal conditions.
Despite an unbeaten 68 from Test captain Shakib Al Hasan, the visitors lacked urgency through their innings and were limited to 158-6 in reply.
Seamers Romario Shepherd and Obed McCoy claimed two wickets each while spinners Akeal Hosein and Hayden Walsh proved the most economical as their variations made it difficult for Bangladesh to develop any sort of batting rhythm.
The West Indies lead the series 1-0 following the no-result in the rain-ruined opening fixture at the same venue on Saturday.
Guyana National Stadium in Providence hosts the final T20I on Thursday ahead of the three-match ODI series at the same venue.
Powell’s innings, highlighted by six sixes and two fours, earned him the Man of the Match award.
“My plan is very simple at the crease,” said Powell. “I look to get a start, even if it takes a while because I know I can make up for it later on in the innings.
“I’ve been struggling quite a bit with spin but I have to give credit to my coach [former West Indies Test opener] Robert Samuels for helping to adjust my game.”
Powell came to the crease on the back of a 74-run second-wicket partnership between King and captain Nicholas Pooran (34).
He proceeded to dominate a 63-run fifth-wicket stand to ensure Bangladesh faced a daunting challenge.
They were never really in the hunt after McCoy removed openers Liton Das and Anamul Haque with his first two deliveries, although Shakib’s milestone of reaching 2,000 runs, and therefore becoming the first player ever to complete the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is, served as some consolation.
“We bowled too many loose balls at the top which gave them the momentum in their innings and then Rov took it away from us with an incredible innings,” said Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah.
“We just weren’t good enough with the bat, either. Shakib batted really well but we needed at least one other player to stay with him to have a chance.”
© Agence France-Presse
