3-0 sweep! Bangladesh whip new-look WI

Published: Saturday | August 1, 2009


BASSETERRE, St Kitts (AP): All-rounder Mahmudullah hit an unbeaten 51 yesterday to push Bangladesh to a tense three-wicket victory and a 3-0 series sweep over West Indies in the third and final one-day cricket international.

The right-hander, who earlier took 2-38 with his off-spin, struck two fours and a six off 70 balls as the visitors reached their target of 249-7 with seven balls to spare.

Junaid Siddique contributed 55 while fellow opener Tamim Iqbal (30), Mushfiqur Rahim (31) and Naeem Islam (26) also posted important contributions.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach claimed 4-63 and Darren Sammy, 2-37 to lead the home team.

bowled out

Earlier, West Indies was bowled out for 248 off 47.4 overs.

Opener Andre Fletcher topscored with 52 off 42 balls while Sammy (40), captain Floyd Reifer (40) and Travis Dowlin (38).

Mahmudullah, medium pacer Mahbubul Alam (2-42) and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (2-63) spearheaded the visitors' attack.

"We were all looking forward to this ODI series and we did well," Shakib said after lifting the Digicel Trophy. "We're very happy."

Shakib, named man of the series for his all-round contributions, praised Mahmudullah's match-winning effort.

"It is a team effort. Everyone is chipping in every time and when the team is under pressure, someone is doing the job for the team," Shakib said.

Siddique and Tamim launched Bangladesh's chase in emphatic fashion with an opening stand of 54 off 50 balls.

But West Indies hit back with some crucial scalps.

mid-off

Tamim blasted five fours and a six off 27 balls before he slapped Sammy straight to mid-off.

Bangladesh soon slipped to 96-3 once David Bernard Jr claimed Mohammad Ashraful (19) and Roach scalped Raqibul Hasan (5).

Ashraful edged to the wicket-keeper while Raqibul fell to a sensational low catch at extra cover from Reifer.

Siddique and Shakib added 32 for the fourth wicket but the West Indies seized the initiative as both batsmen fell in quick succession to Roach.

Siddique, after hitting six fours off 73 balls, lost his leg stump to a slower ball while Shakib miscued a pull to extra cover at 133-5.

Roach should have added the wicket of Mahmudullah but Sammy floored a tough, low catch at first slip before the 23-year-old had scored.