The Test cricket rivalry between Bangladesh and West Indies began in 2002, with the West Indies dominating early encounters. Over 20 matches, West Indies have won 13, while Bangladesh claimed 4 victories, including a historic series win in the Caribbean in 2009. Iconic moments include Kyle Mayers’ 210* in 2021, leading West Indies to a record chase, and Shakib Al Hasan’s consistent brilliance for Bangladesh. While West Indies relied on pace dominance, Bangladesh’s spinners have shone in home conditions. The contests reflect a blend of tradition and emerging talent, with both teams contributing to thrilling moments in modern Test cricket.
- First Encounter:
- Bangladesh and West Indies played their first Test match in 2002 at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka.
- West Indies won the match by an innings and 310 runs, highlighting the stark difference in experience between the two sides.
- Overall Record (as of 2024):
- Total Matches Played: 20
- West Indies Wins: 13
- Bangladesh Wins: 4
- Drawn Matches: 3
- Memorable Moments:
- 2009 Series:
- Bangladesh achieved their first Test series victory against West Indies in the Caribbean, winning both matches.
- This series is notable because West Indies fielded a second-string team due to a player dispute.
- 2021 Series:
- Kyle Mayers scored a record-breaking 210 not out in his debut Test innings in Chattogram, leading West Indies to a remarkable chase of 395 runs.
- This became one of the greatest run chases in Test cricket history.
- 2009 Series:
- Individual Records:
- Top Run-Scorer (Bangladesh):
- Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most consistent performers against West Indies.
- Top Run-Scorer (West Indies):
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul dominated the Bangladeshi bowlers during his career.
- Top Wicket-Takers:
- Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan has been instrumental with both bat and ball.
- West Indies: Kemar Roach has frequently troubled the Bangladeshi batters.
- Top Run-Scorer (Bangladesh):
- West Indies’ Dominance:
- Early encounters were heavily one-sided, with West Indies showcasing their superior cricketing history and experience.
- West Indies won several matches by an innings margin during the early 2000s.
- Bangladesh’s Growth:
- Over the years, Bangladesh has improved significantly in their performance against West Indies, especially at home.
- Their spinners, particularly Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam, have been crucial in turning matches in their favor.
- Venues:
- Matches have been held in key stadiums like Dhaka, Chattogram, Kingston, and Gros Islet, showcasing varied conditions that tested both teams.
- Recent Performance:
- The last few years have seen a more competitive edge, with both teams sharing victories.
- West Indies’ younger players have stepped up, while Bangladesh has relied on experienced stars.
- Significance of the Rivalry:
- While not as historic as some rivalries, the Bangladesh-West Indies Test contests symbolize the fight between emerging cricketing nations and established teams.
- These matches are crucial for both teams in building confidence and showcasing talent.
The history of Test cricket between Bangladesh and West Indies is a fascinating journey of dominance, resilience, and evolving competition. Both teams continue to grow and promise thrilling encounters in the future!