The West Indies cricket team pulled off a tense 14-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20 International on October 29, 2025, in a match that felt more like a battle of nerves than a batting parade. Chasing a modest 150, Bangladesh collapsed under pressure, finishing at 135 for 8, while the visitors had scraped together 149 for 9 in their 20 overs — a total that, on paper, looked defendable but never easy. What made it memorable wasn’t the runs, but the context: Rovman Powell, the West Indies captain, had just played his 100th T20I in the previous match, and this win felt like a statement — quiet, determined, and unflinching.
Low Scores, High Stakes
This wasn’t a game of sixes and fireworks. It was a game of dot balls, tight lines, and pressure. The West Indies’ innings was anchored by Shai Hope, who, despite not batting in the final overs, had laid the foundation with a blistering 46 not out off 28 balls in the first T20I. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries set the tone. But in this match, the spotlight shifted to the middle order — and the bowlers. Jason Holder, the veteran all-rounder, returned with 3 for 31 in four overs in the first match and continued to be a calming presence. His experience was vital as Bangladesh’s openers, led by Tanzid Hasan, looked to accelerate early.
Bangladesh, chasing 150, needed a partnership. They got one — briefly. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who took 3 wickets in the first T20I, was brought back in the 15th over with the score at 92 for 4. He clean-bowled the dangerous Ackeem Auguste in the 17th, but the damage was already done. The West Indies’ spinners, particularly Romario Shepherd, tightened the screws. By the 18th over, Bangladesh needed 32 off 18 balls with six wickets left. That’s when the collapse began. Three wickets fell for 11 runs. The crowd, usually loud and proud, fell silent.
The Players Behind the Numbers
While Powell led from the front, the real story was the emergence of young talent. Ackeem Auguste, who had made his ODI debut just eight days earlier in the second ODI on October 21, was part of this squad — not as a star, but as a promise. He didn’t score in this match, but his presence signaled a generational shift. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need to hit sixes to matter — he’s a finisher in the making. And then there’s Shai Hope, the man who’s quietly become the backbone of West Indies’ middle order. He scored 46* in the first T20I and then followed it up with a 50 off 25 balls in the third match — a blistering cameo that sealed the series for West Indies.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, showed flashes. Rishad Hossain took his maiden ODI five-for earlier in the series — a historic moment for the team — but in T20s, they still lack a consistent finisher. Tanzid Hasan scored 89 off 62 in the third T20I, but his innings came too late to change the narrative. The team’s captain, Leon Kumar Das, struggled for form, and the lack of a clear No. 4 batsman continues to haunt them.
Why This Series Mattered
This wasn’t just about winning a T20I. It was about identity. West Indies, coming off a 2-0 Test series loss to India and a shaky ODI series in Bangladesh (where they lost 2-0 with one tie), needed to prove they could still compete in the shortest format. The win here — and especially the 2-1 T20I series victory — gave them momentum. It also showed that their new generation, led by Powell and supported by players like Auguste and Shepherd, can handle pressure.
For Bangladesh, it was another missed opportunity. They’ve improved in ODIs, but T20Is remain a puzzle. Their powerplay batting is inconsistent, their death bowling leaks runs, and their middle order lacks depth. The tie in the second ODI was historic — the first in their 814 international matches — but it also exposed their fragility. They won the ODI series, yes, but they didn’t win the series with confidence.
What’s Next?
With the Bangladesh tour over, the West Indies head straight to New Zealand for a grueling schedule: five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests from November 5 to December 18, 2025. That’s a massive workload, but they’ll go in with belief. Powell has found his rhythm. Shepherd has a hat-trick under his belt. Auguste is ready. And Hope? He’s just getting started.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look inward. They’ve got talent — Ankon’s ODI debut, Sakib’s all-round skills, Hossain’s spin — but they need structure. No more one-off heroics. They need a plan.
Series Snapshot
- ODI Series (Oct 18–23, 2025): Bangladesh won 2-0 (1 tie). West Indies scored just 117 all out in the third ODI.
- T20I Series (Oct 27–31, 2025): West Indies won 2-1. Match 3 ended with Shepherd’s first T20I hat-trick.
- Key Stats: West Indies bowled 50 overs with only spinners in one ODI — a first in ODI history.
- Historic Moments: First ODI tie in Bangladesh’s international history; Shepherd’s hat-trick; Auguste’s ODI debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Rovman Powell’s 100th T20I impact the team’s performance?
Powell’s 100th T20I wasn’t just a milestone — it was a turning point. He led by example in the field, kept the bowling changes tight, and stayed calm under pressure. His leadership helped stabilize the middle order when Bangladesh’s spinners were strangling the run flow. The team responded to his calm demeanor, especially after a shaky ODI series.
Why did Bangladesh lose despite winning the ODI series?
Bangladesh’s ODI success came from disciplined bowling and exploiting West Indies’ batting collapse — especially in the third ODI, where they bowled them out for 117. But T20Is demand explosive batting and death-over control, areas where Bangladesh still lack depth. Their top order couldn’t convert starts, and their middle order couldn’t handle the pace-spin combo of Shepherd and Holder.
What role did Ackeem Auguste play in this tour?
Auguste didn’t score big in the T20Is, but his selection signaled a long-term plan. He made his ODI debut in the second match and was trusted to bat at No. 6 — a role reserved for finishers. His composure under pressure suggests he’s being groomed as the next core player for West Indies in white-ball cricket, even if his numbers aren’t flashy yet.
How significant was Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick in the third T20I?
Shepherd’s hat-trick wasn’t just a highlight — it was a statement. He became the first West Indian to take a T20I hat-trick since 2021, and it came at the death, with the game on the line. It showed the team has found a genuine wicket-taking bowler who can close out games. That’s rare in modern T20 cricket, and it could be the key to their success in New Zealand.
What does this mean for West Indies’ upcoming tour of New Zealand?
Winning this series gave West Indies belief. New Zealand’s pace-heavy attacks will test their top order, but with Powell leading, Shepherd bowling, and Hope anchoring, they’re better prepared than they were after the India Tests. The real test will be adapting to conditions — but they’ve shown they can win under pressure, which matters more than stats.
Why was the ODI series tied in the second match?
It was the first tie in Bangladesh’s 814 international matches. West Indies posted 207, Bangladesh matched it at 207, and the Super Over went to 10/1 for West Indies vs. 9/1 for Bangladesh. The tie exposed Bangladesh’s inability to close out tight games — even when they had the upper hand. It was historic, but also a warning: they can’t rely on luck to win.