Chasing a challenging target of 322 set by West Indies, Mashrafe inspired team tigers cruised to resounding victory in 42.3 overs riding on a brilliant unbeaten 124 by world’s top all-rounder Shakib and a superb unbeaten innings of 94 my Litton. The superlative unbroken partnership produced 189. Sent in to bat by Mashrafe West Indies could manage 321/8 in their allotted overs. On an easy-paced wicket in a small ground, Bangladesh did well restricting the power hitter’s packed Caribbean unit to Chase able score. All Bangladesh bowlers including skipper Mashrafe bowled to the best of their ability, fielders dived and saved lot of runs, took some good catches. The body language of Bangladesh team right from the outset meant business. Confidence was oozing and adrenaline was flowing. When a team stays committed for win they manage to reach. In world Cup history only few instances are there when over 300 runs have been successfully chased. Bangladesh will this win kept their possibilities very much alive in World Cup 2019. In 5 matches they played so far they won against South Africa and West Indies, all but won against New Zealand, lost to England and shared points with Sri Lanka in rain abandoned match. With 5 points from 5 matches, Bangladesh is now at 5th position behind Australia, New Zealand, India and England. With matches against Pakistan, India, Australia and Afghanistan the dream journey of Bangladesh cricket is switched on. Taunton of Somerset is a small ground with the reputation for high scoring matches. It is where great IVA Richards, IT Botham, Joel Garner entertained with world class performances. There were genuine concerns whether Bangladesh attack could contain power packed West Indies batting on such a ground. Though there was cloud cover at the start yet as the day progressed sun shined. [caption id="attachment_123340" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Saifuddin secure 3 wickets[/caption] Cheering Tiger fans made the terrace rocking as Mashrafe started bowling at tight length and line and his charges dived and saved lot of runs keeping blasters honest. Danger men Gayle and Russell were sent back without scoring. Yet Hope (96), Lewis (70), Hetmyer (50) contributed massively for a decent challenging score of 321/8. Mustafiz (3/59), Saifuddin (3/72) and Shakib (2/54) bowled well within themselves. In these run feast Mashrafe bowled 8 tight overs giving away only 37 runs. Bangladesh fielders saved about 25-30 precious runs. The target of 322 looked big but chase able. Bangladesh had a plan and they executed. Soumya and Tamim made aggressive start neutralizing Windies plot of panicking Bangladesh with fast, short rising deliveries. Bangladesh openers pulled, hooked and cut well and kicked off the mission positively. The opening partnership produced 52 in 8.2 overs. Soumya scored 29. A little panic was created when Tamim got run out and Mushfiqur did not fire. But Sizzling Shakib and talented Liton mercilessly punished listless West Indies bowling in a superlative unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 189 . Scoring back to back World Cup century Shakib (124* )joined the elite club of great batsmen . His innings in only 99 deliveries comprised of 16 glorious strikes across the fence. Liton forcing his way into the side justified his selection with a resounding unbeaten 94*. He blasted 8 fours and 4 sixes in his 69 ball innings. Bangladesh rocketed to victory mark in 41.3 overs winning by 7 wickets . We are sure this big win and the manner it was achieved will give supreme confidence to Bangladesh. Playing consistently well from here reaching the coveted knock out stage is still with in the reach of Bangladesh .It was a resounding and outstanding performance which must make cricket world recognize Bangladesh as a potent force in World Cricket. We are sure that this win will remain as a milestone in world cup history for a long time. Bangladesh can now realistically dream about graduating to higher level. It is still a long way to go yet. Bangladesh must try and win at least three of the four outstanding matches. ICC World Cup 2019 Match 23 Bangladesh Vs West Indies Played at Taunton, United Kingdom Bangladesh 322/3 (Shakib Al Hasan 124*, Liton K Das 94*, Tamim Iqbal 48, Soumya Sarkar 29, AD Russell 1/42, Oshana Thomas 1/52) beat West Indies 321/8 ( Shai Hope 96.Elvin Lewis 70, SD Hetmyer 50, JO Holder33,Mustafiz 3/59,Mohammad Saifuddin 3/72 ,Shakib Al Hasan 2/54) by 7 Wickets Watch Liton's 3 back-to-back sixes here-