Kayle Mayers scored a remarkable double century on his debut as West Indies beat Bangladesh by three wickets in a thrilling first Test in Chittagong on Sunday.
Hosts Bangladesh declared their second innings on 223-8, setting West Indies a daunting victory target of 395 in Chattogram, and the touring side completed the fifth-highest successful run chase in test history.
Mayers added 216 runs with Nkrumah Bonner (86) to turn the match on its head and took a single off spinner Nayeem Hasan to seal a fairy-tale victory for a second-string West Indies side led by Kraigg Brathwaite.
The 28-year-old left-handed batsman from Barbados, remained unbeaten on 210, including 20 fours and seven sixes, and became only the sixth player to score a double hundred in the fourth innings of a Test.
He is also the first batsman to score a fourth-innings double century on debut.
West Indies sent a weakened squad to Bangladesh after several players, including test captain Jason Holder, opted out of the tour citing Covid-19 concerns.
They began the crucial final day on the front foot, with Bonner pulling off-spinner Mehidy Hasan over square leg for a boundary from the first ball.
Mayers and Bonners then survived several tricky moments in the first hour of the day, with offspinner Hasan (4-113) and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam (2-91) keeping the batsmen on their toes.
Mayers brought up his century off 177 balls, after getting an outside edge that flew past gully for his 13th boundary.
After two disappointing sessions, Taijul Islam finally gave Bangladesh some hope, dismissing Bonner in the first over after tea. Bonnerâs 86 came off 245 balls, with 10 boundaries and one six.
West Indies. Unbelievable.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 7, 2021
One of the greatest chases. 210 on debut for Mayers.
Beating Bangladesh on their home ground chasing 395. Wow West Indies. Looks like a year where
Away teams will dominate.#BANvWI pic.twitter.com/IA0Z2GC5yn
The wicket came off just as Bonner came out in an aggressive mood to press for victory as West Indies entered the last session needing another 129 runs from a possible 33 overs.
But Mayers continued his spectacular attack with wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva giving him the necessary support to seal the victory.
Silva scored just 20 in their 100-run partnership and was out just three runs away from victory.
Mayers, meanwhile, brought up his double hundred off 303 balls with a gentle punch to deep backward point for a single.
He then hit his seventh six to put the tourists on the verge of the victory before pushing one off Nayeem Hasan to mid-on for a single to confirm the victory.
Consider the inexperience. Consider that itâs tough condition on the final day of a test in Asia. This has to be one of the most significant achievements in The history of Wet Indies cricket. Well played Kyle Mayers, Nkrumah Bonner @Coachsim13 Kraigg and the team.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 7, 2021
