HISTORIC WIN

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Barbadian left-hander Kyle Mayer wrote his name into Test cricket history books by becoming only the second West Indies batsman to hit a double century on debut as under-strength West Indies pulled off the highest-ever successful run chase against Bangladesh in the opening two-match Test series.

The under-strength side stuned the Asian team in the opening Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagon last Sunday. Starting the final day on 110 for three in pursuit of an improbable 395 for victory, West Indies defied all odds to reach their target with 15 balls to spare.

At the heart of the historic victory was an astonishing unbeaten 210 from Mayer who batted the entire day to lead the second highest successful run chase for the Caribbean side following their 418 runs, 18 years ago in Antigua which remains the highest by any team.

West Indies’ Nkrumah Bonner comes back on to the pitch after trying to retrieve a ball played for a six by England’s Jos Buttler at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, July 24, 2020. Martin Rickett/Pool via REUTERS, file

Mayer had with him his overnight partner Nkrumah Bonner who hit 86 and together they added 216 for the fourth in a partnership that marked only the second time two debutants have put on more than 200 runs in a Test innings.

Mayer, 28, struck 20 fours and seven sixes in an innings spanning 310 balls in just under seven hours at the crease.

However, after Bonner was out, Mayer dominated a 100-run partnership with Joshua De Silva (20) which revived the run chase and put West Indies in sight of victory.

The result came against the backdrop of a depleted side being selected for the tour after six team players, including Test Captain, Jason Holder, declined selection due to COVID-19 fears and interim skipper, Kraigg Braithwaite led the inexperienced side.

Bangladesh had declared their second innings at 223 for eight giving West Indies 395 to make for victory. The Asian team which opted to bat first scored 430, while West Indies made 259 in their first innings.

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