Kyle Mayers’ Magic: A Historic Debut to Remember

On February 7, 2021, west indies vs bangladesh test world witnessed one of the most incredible Test debuts in history. West Indies‘ Kyle Mayers delivered a performance that defied expectations, guiding his team to a record-breaking chase against Bangladesh in the 1st Test in Chattogram. His unbeaten double century not only sealed a three-wicket victory but also etched his name in cricket folklore.

BANGLADESH VS WEST INDIES TEST SERIES

The West Indies tour of Bangladesh in 2021 consisted of two Test matches. The series was part of the ICC World Test Championship, adding extra significance to every match. West Indies arrived with a depleted squad due to the absence of several key players who opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. Despite these challenges, the team was eager to prove their resilience.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, was considered the favorite. Playing on home soil and boasting experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan, they aimed to dominate the inexperienced West Indies side. With the first Test in Chattogram, Bangladesh sought to assert their superiority.

BANGLADESH VS WEST INDIES TEST 2021

Toss and First Innings: Bangladesh’s Commanding Start

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch expected to assist spinners as the game progressed. Their decision proved fruitful as their top-order batsmen laid a solid foundation.

First Day Dominance: Bangladesh reached 242/5 by the end of Day 1, with Mominul Haque anchoring the innings.
Mominul Haque’s Masterclass: The Bangladesh captain scored a composed 115 off 182 balls, including 10 boundaries, leading his team from the front.
Shadman Islam’s Contribution: The opener played a patient knock of 59 runs to stabilize the innings.

West Indies bowlers toiled hard but struggled to make consistent breakthroughs. Jomel Warrican emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 4/133.

Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 430 in their first innings, giving them a commanding position.

Bangladesh First Innings Key Stats:

Total Runs: 430
Run Rate: 2.94
Fours: 47
Sixes: 4

Bowling Highlights for West Indies:

Jomel Warrican: 4/133 (46 overs) – Led the bowling attack.
Rahkeem Cornwall: 2/114 (42 overs) – Provided vital support.

West Indies’ Response: Struggles and Fightback

In reply, West Indies’ batting lineup faced early troubles against Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Top Order Collapse: West Indies slumped to 259 all out, trailing by 171 runs.
Kraigg Brathwaite’s Resistance: The captain stood firm with 76 runs off 111 balls, but lacked support.
Mehidy Hasan’s Magic: He claimed 4/58 and dismantled the middle order.

With a massive first-innings deficit, West Indies faced an uphill battle to stay in the game.

West Indies First Innings Key Stats:

Total Runs: 259
Run Rate: 2.67
Fours: 29
Sixes: 2

Key Performers (1st Innings):

Kraigg Brathwaite (WI): 76 (111 balls, 12 fours)
Mehidy Hasan (BAN): 4/58 (26 overs)
Taijul Islam (BAN): 2/84 (34 overs)

Bangladesh’s Second Innings: Building the Pressure

Bangladesh opted not to enforce the follow-on, instead choosing to bat again and extend their lead.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s Stability: The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman scored a crucial 54 runs.
Litton Das’ Quick Fire: He added 69 off 112 balls, helping Bangladesh post 223/8 before declaring.

West Indies were set a daunting target of 395 runs—a near-impossible chase considering the conditions and their weakened lineup.

Bangladesh Second Innings Key Stats:

Total Runs: 223/8 declared
Run Rate: 3.22
Fours: 23
Sixes: 1

Bowling Highlights (2nd Innings):

Rahkeem Cornwall: 3/81 (30 overs) – Kept the pressure on.
Shannon Gabriel: 2/37 (14 overs) – Provided early breakthroughs.

The Epic Chase: Kyle Mayers’ Heroics

Chasing 395 to win, West Indies’ hopes seemed slim. No team had successfully chased such a total in Asia. But debutant Kyle Mayers had other ideas.

West Indies lost early wickets and were reduced to 59/3, with the top order struggling against the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam.

Kyle Mayers’ Arrival: Coming in at number five, Mayers displayed remarkable composure and aggression.
Partnership with Nkrumah Bonner: Together, they forged a resilient 216-run stand for the fourth wicket—keeping West Indies’ hopes alive.

West Indies Second Innings Key Stats:

Total Runs: 395/7
Run Rate: 3.25
Fours: 44
Sixes: 7

BANGLADESH VS WEST INDIES TEST

Milestones and Key Moments:

Mayers’ Maiden Century: He reached his first Test century in 177 balls.
Double Delight: Mayers became only the sixth batsman in history to score a double century on debut, finishing 210 not out.
Nkrumah Bonner’s Support: Bonner’s patient 86 off 245 balls was crucial in blunting Bangladesh’s attack.

Records and Achievements

Kyle Mayers’ innings broke several records:

Highest Successful Chase in Asia: West Indies’ chase of 395 was the highest-ever successful fourth-innings chase in Asia.
Debut Double Century: Mayers became only the second player in Test history to score a double century in a successful chase.
Most Runs on Debut: His 210 not out was the fifth-highest score by a debutant.
First West Indian to Score 200 on Debut: Mayers was the first West Indian to achieve this feat in Test history.

Key Performers of the Match

Kyle Mayers (WI): 210* (310 balls, 20 fours, 7 sixes) – Player of the Match.
Nkrumah Bonner (WI): 86 (245 balls, 10 fours) – Anchored the chase.
Mehidy Hasan (BAN): 8 wickets (4/58 & 4/113) – Outstanding performance despite the loss.
Mominul Haque (BAN): 115 (1st innings) – Led from the front.

Conclusion

The 1st Test between West Indies and Bangladesh in February 2021 was more than just a cricket match—it was a story of courage, determination, and history being written. Kyle Mayers’ unbeaten 210 not only defied the odds but also brought joy to millions of West Indies fans worldwide.

This match serves as a reminder that in cricket, miracles do happen—and Mayers’ magic in Chattogram will forever be etched as one of the sport’s greatest moments.