Dhaka, Dec 04 (V7N) -Bangladesh's Jaker Ali Ali came agonizingly close to his maiden century but played a pivotal role in setting West Indies a challenging target of 287 in the second and final Test at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica.

The West Indies, however, would need to break their own record of the highest successful fourth-innings chase, which was 212 set in 2003 at the same ground. In fact, only two teams in history have managed to chase down 180 or more runs successfully at Sabina Park.

Jaker’s blistering knock of 91 helped Bangladesh set a total of 268 in their second innings before being all out. Bangladesh had earlier taken an 18-run lead in the first innings, dismissing the West Indies for 146. Fast bowler Nahid Rana was the star with the ball, picking up a career-best five-wicket haul (5 for 61).

Resuming Day 4 at 193-5, Bangladesh relied on Jaker’s aggressive batting to set a daunting total for the hosts. However, the West Indies were 23-1 at lunch, needing 264 more runs for a series sweep after having won the first Test by 201 runs.

Bangladesh were desperate for a victory to level the series and secure their third overseas win in a calendar year. They had never won three away Tests in a year before, with their highest overseas series wins coming in 2009.

Bangladesh’s plans took an early blow when they lost overnight batter Taijul Islam and veteran Mominul Haque in consecutive overs, leaving them at 211-7. Mominul, who was dismissed for a duck for the second consecutive time in the match, now holds the record for the most ducks (18) by any Bangladeshi batter.

At this point, Bangladesh’s lead was 222 runs, but Jaker’s late fireworks raised the score. He scored 53 off just 33 balls, helping Bangladesh take the total to 268. The final 57 runs were made after Mominul’s dismissal, with Jaker contributing significantly.

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach, who had been injured by a bouncer on Day 3, was back in action and took three wickets on Day 4, finishing with 3-36 from 10 overs. Alzarri Joseph supported with 3-77, while Shamar Joseph claimed 2-80.

At lunch, West Indies were 23-1, still facing a daunting task. They needed 264 more runs to win and seal the series after their dominant victory in the first Test. However, Bangladesh was intent on forcing a level series.

Taijul Islam was later named Player of the Match for his six-wicket haul and valuable contributions with the bat. "The win was in unfamiliar conditions. Everyone contributed well, and the team was dedicated to the cause," said Taijul.

Taskin Ahmed and Jayden Seales shared the Player of the Series award. Taskin, who had been recovering from a shoulder injury, took 11 wickets at an impressive average of under 18. “It’s great to return to Test cricket and contribute to the team’s success,” he said. Seales, with 10 wickets in the series, also praised his consistency in line and length.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, was thrilled with his team’s performance, acknowledging their resilience despite the challenging conditions. "We were determined to win, and despite being bowled out for just 164 in the first innings, we never gave up. Nahid’s five-wicket haul in the first innings was crucial," Mehidy said.

Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies captain, was disappointed with the result but acknowledged the positives. He emphasized that consistency in batting would be key for his team moving forward. Despite some good performances from players like Justin Greaves, who scored his first Test century, and Jayden Seales, who impressed with the ball, Brathwaite stressed the need for improvement in pressure situations.

In the end, Bangladesh’s all-round effort in the second Test led to a much-needed victory, with Taskin Ahmed finishing as the series' highest wicket-taker. Despite the absence of key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh pulled off a remarkable series-leveling victory.

The final wicket fell to a roar of joy from the Bangladesh players, signaling their remarkable comeback after a loss in the first Test and their strong fight in this game. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the captain, led his team off the field as the two sides exchanged handshakes.

The series ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the honors after an exciting and competitive encounter.

END/DHK/RH