International T20 cricket returned to Chattogram after one and a half years on Monday evening as Bangladesh and West Indies met at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. The opening match of the series drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, creating a festival-like atmosphere across the port city hours before the game began.
From noon, the stadium surroundings turned vibrant with flag sellers, banner vendors and jersey stalls, as supporters of all ages prepared to welcome back top-level cricket to their home ground. The sentiment was shared widely among locals, who had been waiting since May 2024 when Bangladesh last played a T20 in Chattogram against Zimbabwe, a series the hosts had clinched at this very venue.
Chattogram University student Mizanur Rahman captured the mood of the city, saying T20 cricket brings a different level of joy. He added that watching Bangladesh play again in Chattogram after such a long gap felt special for the fans.
According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board, online ticket sales helped ensure a smooth process for spectators, reducing the scope for black-market trading. The stands were filled to capacity and security was reinforced by police, RAB and army personnel for the high-profile occasion.
At 5:30 pm, West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first in front of a roaring home crowd. Litton Das returned to lead Bangladesh, while Shai Hope captained the Caribbean side. With the T20 World Cup approaching, both teams are treating this series as a key part of their preparation. Bangladesh entered the contest with renewed confidence after winning the ODI series, while West Indies hoped to regain momentum.
The pitch in Chattogram generally favours batters, although evening dew was expected to bring spinners into play later in the match. Local cricket analyst Ashhabur Rahman suggested that a first-innings total in the range of 160 to 170 could apply scoreboard pressure, and predicted that the opening six overs would shape the outcome.
For the people of Chattogram, the occasion felt bigger than a cricket match. Local supporter Jannatul Mawa said that seeing the national team back on their home ground after a long gap made the event feel like a reunion for the city. She hoped to witness more international fixtures in Chattogram in the near future.
