Bangladesh ended a 15-year drought in the Caribbean with a resounding 101-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Sabina Park, leveling the two-match series 1-1.

It was Bangladesh’s first Test win in the West Indies since 2009, as left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and batter Jaker Ali emerged as star performers.

Taijul, with figures of 5 for 50 in the fourth innings, played a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies, who folded for 185 in pursuit of a 287-run target.

This was Taijul’s 15th five-wicket haul in Tests and his first on Caribbean soil in a decade. He was supported by seamers Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana, who collectively claimed the other wic

Jaker Ali’s quick 91 in the second innings provided Bangladesh with a commanding lead.

Resuming the fourth day at 193 for 5, Jaker added 62 of the team’s 75 runs in the morning session. Despite being struck on the helmet by Alzarri Joseph early in the day, Jaker recovered to deliver a counter-attacking knock with five sixes and eight boundaries. His efforts pushed Bangladesh to 268, setting a challenging target.

West Indies’ chase began promisingly, with captain Kraigg Brathwaite scoring 43 and Kavem Hodge reaching 55.

However, Taijul’s spin dismantled their middle order, including the key dismissals of Brathwaite and Hodge.

The home team’s final six wickets fell for just 42 runs as the Bangladesh bowlers capitalised on the uneven bounce and turn offered by the Sabina Park pitch.

Bangladesh’s win was a significant turnaround after their heavy defeat in the first Test. Stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz credited the bowling unit. “Nahid in the first innings, Taskin and Hasan Mahmud were exceptional. Taijul in the second innings was phenomenal,” Mehdiy said. 

For the West Indies, the defeat brought their persistent batting weakness to the fore. Despite a promising start to the chase, they struggled against disciplined Bangladesh bowling.

“The batting group needs consistency and hard work,” Brathwaite said. 

The victory was Bangladesh’s fourth Test win in 2024, equaling their best year in Test cricket. It also proved their growing confidence in away conditions, with contributions from both senior players and young players like Jaker and Rana. Both teams will now move to the white-ball series, comprising off three ODIs and three T20Is.