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DHAKA, Dec 4, 2024 (BSS) - Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam said he didn't feel pressure despite knowing that the team pinned hopes on him to deliver in the fourth innings of the second Test when West Indies were chasing a 287-run target for a victory and series sweep.

With the pitch increasingly deteriorating, Taijul was key in helping the side to victory as Bangladesh were chasing a series levelling draw. Taijul didn't disappoint as he used the crack of the pitch in good effect to take 5-50, his 15th five-wicket haul which bundled West Indies out for 185 and gave Bangladesh a 101-run victory.

The performance earned Taijul Islam the man of the match award.
"When I came to bowl in the second innings, I knew that there were big expectations from me," Taijul said after the match.

"I was confident about my ability. I am satisfied with my bowling because I could fulfill the requirement of the team. Alhamdulillah, I finally thrived in and feeling good about it."

Bangladesh were all out for 164 in the first innings but got back into the game with a bang, thanks to pace sensation Nahid Rana who scalped 5-61 to wrap up West Indies for just 146 and gave the side an 18-run lead.
Bangladesh then played fluently to post 268 in the second inning before being all out and set West Indies a record 287-run for a victory.

Taijul's 5-50 however helped Bangladesh dismiss West Indies for 185, while chasing the target.

Taijul snapped up three wickets in the first two sessions including the all-important wicket of West Indies captain Kraigg Braithwaite, removed set batter Kavem Hodge (55) early in the third session. He then trapped Joshua De Silva leg before to complete his five-wicket haul.

"This is a big win for Bangladesh team because there were some young players and some guys were there who have been playing for 8-10 years," Taijul said.

"But most of the players were young and there was a good communication in place. Everyone had that urge that we will win the game and Alhamdulillah that we could win the game and the effort everyone gave was unbelievable."