The BAN vs WI Series 2022 has begun with Bangladesh losing the first Test by 7 wickets at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. By looking at the result, it seems like the game was closely contested between the two teams. However, the fact is that the visiting team’s performance was mostly disappointing. Their batting performance was unimpressive, with six batters dismissed for ducks early in the innings. In contrast, the bowlers performed well in both innings. How Bangladesh’s players fared in the first Test is discussed in this article.
The Performance of Bangladesh’s Players in the First Test
Captain Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round performance in the series-opening match was one of the games’ highlights for Bangladesh. Shakib scored fifty runs in both innings. He also put up a 100-run partnership with wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan Sohan for the seventh wicket in the second innings, which helped Bangladesh escape an innings loss.
Bangladesh’s bowlers performed admirably, dismissing the Windies for 265 runs in the first innings. They also picked up three West Indian wickets when the score was only nine in the second innings. Let’s take a look at each Bangladeshi player’s performance in the opening Test of the BAN vs WI Series 2022.
Tamim Iqbal
Inn: 2 | Runs: 51 | HS: 29
There was an expectation of the veteran opener, Tamim Iqbal, that he would play the anchor role and guide Bangladesh to a big total. However, Tamim failed to fulfill his expectations in both innings. He made 29 in the first innings and 22 in the second innings.
The southpaw had a start in each innings but couldn’t carry on to bat for a big score. On a personal level, Tamim became the second Bangladesh player to score 5,000 Test runs in this match. He needs to be more responsible in the second match.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy
Inn: 2 | Runs: 42 | HS: 42
The highly talented opener, Mahmudul Hasan, made a duck in the first innings. He was looking sharp in the second innings before losing his wicket to Kemar Roach. Joy played a very patient 42-run knock. Mahmudul Hasan has continued to impress the selectors with his sincerity with the bat. His perseverance and determination will be important for Bangladesh in the second Test.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Inn: 2 | Runs: 17 | HS: 17
Najmul Hasan is rated highly by the selectors. However, he hasn’t been consistent on the international scene, which is a major concern for him. Najmul made a duck in the first innings and notched 17 runs in the second innings.
Mominul Haque
Inn: 2 | Runs: 4 | HS: 4
The former Bangladesh Test captain, Mominul Haque, has been completely out of form, which is why the team has suffered a lot. He made a duck in the first innings and scored only four in the second innings. Maybe Mominul needs a break to regain his confidence.
Litton Das
Inn: 2 | Runs: 29 | HS: 17
Litton’s recent Test form is the best among the Bangladesh batters. However, he hasn’t scored a fifty in the last six overseas innings, which is a big concern. In the first Test, Litton Das made 12 and 17.
Shakib Al Hasan
Inn: 2 | Runs: 114 | HS: 63 | Wkts: 1 | BBI: 1/48
Shakib Al Hasan’s performance with the bat was satisfactory. Shakib had no choice but to take an aggressive approach after a dismal show by the other batters. The ace all-rounder hit aggressive half-centuries in each innings of the match. He also picked a wicket in the first innings. Shakib was by far the best player for Bangladesh in the contest.
Nurul Hasan Sohan
Inn: 2 | Runs: 64 | HS: 64
Wicket-keeper batter Nurul Hasan was one of the six batters who scored ducks in the first innings. However, Nurul didn’t waste the opportunity he got in the second innings. He played a 64-run knock in 147 deliveries and made a record 123-run stand with skipper Shakib Al Hasan for the seventh wicket. Nurul is considered the best keeper in Bangladesh. His performance with the gloves was also brilliant in the first match.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Inn: 2 | Wkts: 4 | BBI: 4/59
Mehidy Miraz had a brilliant performance with the ball in the first innings. He picked up 4 wickets for 59 runs in the first innings. He was sent to bat at No.3 in the second innings but failed to contribute with the bat.
Mustafizur Rahman
Inn: 2 | Wkts: 1 | BBI: 1/30
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman made his Test return in this match. He only picked up one wicket in the match but created a lot of chances. Besides, he was the most economical bowler in the match.
Ebadot Hossain
Inn: 2 | Wkts: 2 | BBI: 2/65
Ebadot picked two wickets in the first innings but remained wicketless in the second innings. He maintained less than 3 economy rates in the contest, which is a good thing.
Khaled Ahmed
Inn: 2 | Wkts: 5 | BBI: 3/27
Bangladesh’s most successful bowler in the match was pacer Khaled Ahmed. The right-arm pacer picked up five wickets in the contest. In particular, he put a lot of pressure on the West Indian batting line-up at the start of the second innings and removed three West Indian batters when the score was only 9.
Aftermath
The majority of the players had poor performances, which contributed to Bangladesh’s lackluster performance in the first match of the BAN vs WI Series 2022. The Shakib-led team must formulate a good strategy for the second encounter. They must also put out their best effort in order to level the series. Bangladesh may need to make some changes to their playing XI for a competitive team.
Source: United News of Bangladesh