BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis — Amir Jangoo made a sensational debut with an unbeaten century, leading the West Indies to a triumphant conclusion of their one-day international series against Bangladesh at Warner Park on Thursday.
The West Indies had already clinched the series, successfully chasing down scores of 294 and 227 earlier in the week. With a target of 322 runs set by Bangladesh, they comfortably sealed the victory, finishing at 325-6 with four overs remaining.
Bangladesh posted a solid total of 321-5, featuring four players scoring half-centuries, which offered a challenge that the pitch warranted. Despite a shaky start, the hosts orchestrated a steady chase to secure the win. This marked the highest successful one-day run chase at Warner Park and ranks as the third highest in the annals of West Indies ODI history.
Jangoo, despite being new to international cricket, displayed poise and composure, stepping onto the field with the West Indies in a precarious position at 86-4 in the 15th over. He formed a remarkable partnership with Keacy Carty, accumulating 132 runs together until Carty was dismissed after scoring 95 runs.
At that point, the West Indies required 104 runs from 100 deliveries, and Jangoo took over, ultimately finishing with an unbeaten 104 runs off 83 balls. This achievement ranks as the second-highest score by a West Indies player on ODI debut, trailing only Desmond Haynes’ iconic 148 against Australia in 1978.
After reaching his landmark century, Gudakesh Motie contributed significantly with a quickfire 44 runs off 31 balls to help close out the match decisively. Jangoo, who made his debut after a stellar run of form with Trinidad and Tobago, scoring 96, 70 not out, 111, and 93 not out in his previous six 50-over matches, got his chance once the series victory was secured.
Both Jangoo and Carty had their share of good fortune during the innings; Carty was dropped at 22 and narrowly escaped an lbw decision at 73. Jangoo faced similar luck when he was dropped at 61, shortly before Carty fell to Rishad Hossain on the very next delivery. Carty wasn’t far from a century, finishing with 95 runs off 88 balls.
The pair kept the required run rate in check as victory drew nearer. In a tension-filled moment while in the 90s, Jangoo’s fourth six, struck over long-on, brought him to his century in just 79 balls.
“It is surreal, an amazing feeling,” Jangoo remarked after the match. “I just did not want to make a duck on debut. Having Keacy (Carty) by my side made it easier for me.”
Bangladesh’s innings was highlighted by two substantial partnerships, including a 136-run association between Soumya Sarkar and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, alongside a 150-run stand involving Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali.
Sarkar was fortunate to escape a catch in the slips early in the game, going on to score 73 runs from 73 deliveries. Meanwhile, Mehidy also made a noteworthy contribution, scoring 77 runs before being run out.
As Mahmudullah and Jaker joined forces in the 31st over, they began exerting pressure on the bowlers. Mahmudullah, in particular, marked his fifth half-century in six outings at Warner Park, showcasing his skillfulness.
The duo accumulated 104 runs off the final 10 overs, with a vigorous pace towards the end, scoring 59 runs off the last four overs alone. Mahmudullah finished with an impressive unbeaten 84 runs from 63 balls, while Jaker remained not out on 62 runs from 57 deliveries. Mehidy praised his teammate, stating, “Three fifties in this series from Mahmudullah is a great achievement for our team. We learn so much from him.”