Bangladesh secured a gripping seven-run win over the West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent on Monday.

Defending a modest target of 148, Mahedi Hasan set the tone with a career-best performance, taking 4-13 in his four overs upfront. Despite his brilliance, it was Hasan Mahmud who delivered the final blow under immense pressure. Tasked with defending 10 runs in the last over, the pacer held his nerve, picking up the final two wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 140 in 19.5 overs.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 147-6 after being put into bat, thanks to Soumya Sarkar’s 43 off 32 balls and Shamim Hossain’s blistering 27 off 13 deliveries. For the West Indies, spinners Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy each claimed two wickets to restrict the visitors.

Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the early stages, reducing the West Indies to 36-3 during the Powerplay. Mahedi struck twice in the seventh over, while Tanzim Sakib and Rishad Hossain added to the damage, leaving the hosts struggling at 61-7 by the 12th over.

However, Rovman Powell almost engineered a stunning comeback for the West Indies. His explosive 60 off 35 balls, along with a 67-run stand off 33 balls with Romario Shepherd (22 off 17), reignited hopes for the home side.

Taskin Ahmed’s crucial 18th over, where he dismissed Shepherd and conceded just two runs, swung the momentum back to Bangladesh. Tanzim Sakib then gave away only eight runs in the penultimate over, setting the stage for Hasan Mahmud’s match-winning final over.

With this victory, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second T20I set to be played at the same venue on Wednesday.