Samuels’ 85 guides West Indies to 18-run victory in lone T20 vs. Bangladesh

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Marlon Samuels smashed 85 off 43 balls Monday to help West Indies defeat Bangladesh by 18 runs in the lone Twenty20 match at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Bangladesh lost only one wicket to reach 179, but batted too slowly to get the victory. West Indies piled up 197-4 after captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to bat first.

Samuels hit nine sixes and three boundaries in aggressive batting, backed by Darren Bravo who smashed 41 off 28 balls.

The tourists lost aggressive opener Chris Gayle (6) early but Samuels and Bravo took charge to steer West Indies to a strong position.

Bangladesh’s aggressive opener Tamim Iqbal remained unbeaten on 88 off 61 balls that included 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Mahmudullah provided support, making 64 off 48 balls. Anamul Haque added 22 before being caught by Darren Sammy off Kemar Roach. That was the only Bangladesh wicket to fall.

Rubel Hossain struck early, removing both openers Gayle and Dwyne Smith (24). But he proved very expensive and finished with 2-63, including 29 runs in the 20th over he bowled.

Sohag Gazi and Ziaur Rahman claimed one wicket each.

10:50ET 10-12-12