The Arnos Vale crowd erupted as Obed McCoy, Saint Vincent’s only player in the West Indies team, walked out to bat in his first international match on home soil. The cheers were not for a win but for the pride of seeing their local hero represent them.
However, the joy was short-lived, as the day belonged to Bangladesh. On Victory Day, marking 53 years of independence, Bangladesh achieved a historic 7-run victory—their first against the West Indies on Caribbean soil.
Defending a modest total of 150, Bangladesh’s bowlers shone brightly. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan struck early, reducing the West Indies to 61 for 7. Mehidy’s career-best 4 for 13 kept Bangladesh in control, but a late surge by the Windies skipper threatened to snatch the game. Rashad Hossain, Taskin, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib held their nerve, conceding only 18 runs in the final three overs. Hasan Mahmud defended 10 runs in the last over to seal the win.
Contributions from Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Mehidy helped Bangladesh post a fighting total. On this symbolic day, the red and green celebrated a victory that felt destined to be theirs.
