Shakib sends Tigers two up

Bangladesh's matchwinner Shakib Al Hasan embraces partner Mahmudullah after sealing a four-wicket victory

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Shakib Al Hasan smashed 16 runs off the final four balls in a dramatic finish as Bangladesh cruised to a four-wicket victory in the second Test against West Indies in Grenada.

Shakib fell four runs short of his century, finishing unbeaten on 96, as the tourists wrapped up victory with a day to spare in St George`s against a makeshift West Indies side.

After several overs in which Bangladesh barely kept the score moving along, their captain came suddenly to life to sprint over the finish line.

Relishing some sloppy bowling from Kemar Roach, he opened the over with a pair of fours through the off side.

On the third ball of the over, he was dropped by Tino Best, who did well to get a hand to it at short mid-off, and settled for two runs.

But he then carried Bangladesh clear of their 215-run target with a towering six over long-on that put the Tigers 2-0 up in the series.

It completed a fine innings from Shakib, who along with Raqibal Hasan had helped the tourists recover from a position of 67 for four in the afternoon session.

At that point, Bangladesh’s hopes of chasing down the West Indies was in doubt following a flurry of wickets before lunch.

But the pair brought them back from the brink with a partnership of 106 before Shakib was caught and bowled by Darren Sammy for 65.

Mushfiqur Rahim made 12 before he was likewise dispatched by Sammy, who collected figures of 5-55, but the hosts could do nothing to budge Shakib.