Chattogram: Debutant Kyle Mayers scored a historic double hundred as West Indies chased down a record 395 on the final day to beat Bangladesh by three wickets and secure an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the 2-match series, here on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Mayers, playing his first Test, scored a monumental 210*, carrying on from his overnight 37, to script among the more famous West Indies chases in recent times.
It was the fifth-highest successful run-chase in Test history, and the highest ever in Asia.
Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner were the star-performers in stunning West Indies performance. The duo resumed from their overnight 110/3 and ensured they stayed together till the final session.
Their 216-run stand formed the bedrock of the innings. They got together when West Indies were reduced to 59/3. By the time the stand was broken, they had 292 on board, just a shade over 100 runs away from the target.
During the course of the innings, both Bonner and Mayers brought up personal milestones. Mayers reached his maiden Test century, and Bonner, a fellow debutant, scored his first Test half-century.
The stand was finally broken by Taijul Islam, who trapped Bonner in front. A wicket brought another as Jermaine Blackwood fell to Nayeem Hasan, and Bangladesh had belief they could win the game.
However, Joshua Da Silva ensured nothing of the sort would happen. Much like in the first innings, he batted solidly, providing Mayers with adequate support. Mayers got a move on too, tonking Mehidy Hasan for sixes, and they brought up the 100-run stand to all but ensure a West Indies victory.
There were still some jitters towards the end as Da Silva was cleaned up by Taijul before Kemar Roach became Mehidy’s eighth wicket of the match. However, Mayers fittingly scored the winning runs to seal his place in West Indies history. (UNI)
