West Indies produced a composed all-round display to defeat Bangladesh by 16 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Monday, securing a 1-0 advantage. After opting to bat first, West Indies posted a competitive 165 for 3, courtesy of a steady unbeaten partnership between captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell. Hope anchored the innings with a fluent 46 not out from 28 balls, while Powell overcame a slow start to finish with a brisk 44 not out. Earlier, Alick Athanaze (34) and Brandon King (33) also provided useful contributions at the top.

In reply, Bangladesh began aggressively, with Tanzid Hasan striking boundaries early on. However, momentum slipped away quickly as the hosts lost four wickets inside the Powerplay. Towhid Hridoy (28) tried to rebuild, and lower-order batter Tanzim Hasan Sakib (33 off 27 balls) kept the chase alive briefly. But consistent wicket-taking spells from Jason Holder and Jayden Seales applied pressure, eventually bowling Bangladesh out for 149 in 19.4 overs.

Holder and Seales claimed three wickets apiece, while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein picked up two. Player of the Match Rovman Powell reflected on the conditions, saying the pitch required patience before capitalising late in the innings. Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted the batting collapse in the first six overs cost them the game and stressed the need for better shot selection and fielding execution. The teams will meet again at the same venue for the second T20I on October 29, where Bangladesh will look to level the series. The final match will be played on October 31.

Scores in Brief
WEST INDIES 165/3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 46, Rovman Powell 44; Taskin Ahmed 2/33) beat BANGLADESH 149 in 19.4 overs (Tanzim Hasan Sakib 33, Towhid Hridoy 28; Jason Holder 3/25, Jayden Seales 3/27) by 16 runs.