The West Indies have taken a commanding 1-0 lead in their home Test series against Bangladesh following an emphatic 201-run victory in the first Test at Antigua. Now, the action shifts to Sabina Park in Kingston, where the second and final Test begins on November 30.
With Bangladesh yet to win a Test on West Indies soil, their task appears monumental. Their batting frailties have been on full display, while the West Indies are riding high on confidence, making them the favorites to secure a series sweep.
Teams Preview
West Indies Preview
The West Indies ended a two-and-a-half-year drought for home Test victories with a dominant display in Antigua. The foundation of their win was built on a solid 450/9 declared in the first innings, bolstered by a resilient eighth-wicket stand of 140 runs between Justin Greaves (115) and Alzarri Roach (47).
The bowling attack was ruthless, dismissing Bangladesh for 134 in the second innings to seal the win. With pacers Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph firing on all cylinders, the hosts will look to continue their dominance in Kingston.
Key Players:
- Justin Greaves: Scored his maiden Test century in the first match and was instrumental in the team’s commanding position.
- Alick Athanaze: A consistent performer with scores of 90 and 42, he is a batter to watch in this game.
- Alzarri Joseph: The pacer led the bowling attack with precision, claiming three wickets in the second innings.
Predicted XI:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh’s struggles with the bat were glaring in the first Test, with scores of 269/9 (dec.) and 132. Jaker Ali’s 53 in the first innings was the only notable contribution, as their batters lacked the application and patience to tackle the West Indies’ pace attack.
The bowling, however, offered some hope. Taskin Ahmed delivered an exceptional spell in the second innings, taking 6/64, while Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with wickets. With Shoriful Islam potentially unavailable due to injury, Nahid Rana might step in to bolster the pace attack.
Key Players:
- Taskin Ahmed: The standout bowler with a six-wicket haul in the second innings of the first Test.
- Jaker Ali: Top-scored for Bangladesh in the first innings and remains a crucial figure in their fragile batting lineup.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The captain and all-rounder will need to lead from the front with both bat and ball.
Predicted XI:
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mominul Haque, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana/Shoriful Islam.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report – Sabina Park, Kingston
Sabina Park traditionally offers pace and bounce, making it a paradise for fast bowlers early in the match. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, offering some assistance to spinners.
- Average 1st innings score: 317
- Average 4th innings score: 149
- A par score for the first innings would be around 320-330.
Weather Conditions
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast across all five days, which could disrupt play. The overcast conditions on the opening day will likely favor seamers, providing swing and movement.
Toss Prediction
Although recent matches at Kingston have been won by teams batting first, the cloudy and windy conditions may tempt the captains to bowl first, maximizing early assistance for the pacers.
Winning Prediction
The West Indies have momentum on their side after a comprehensive win in the first Test. Their bowling attack is in red-hot form, and their batters have shown resilience under pressure.
For Bangladesh, the lack of discipline and application in their batting lineup remains a major concern. While their bowlers might pose a challenge, their batters need a herculean effort to compete.
Prediction: West Indies are favorites to win
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