Jaker dedicates Bangladesh's Test win to his late father with emotional message

Bangladesh's thrilling 101-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test in Jamaica was not just a triumph on the field; it also carried immense emotional weight for Jaker Ali Anik who top-scored with a vital 91-run innings.

The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared a deeply personal memory on his official Facebook page, reflecting on his journey from being a young fan to representing the national team, dedicating this monumental achievement to his late father.

"I was 11 years old back then. I didn't miss a single match of that 2009 series. I would stay up all night watching Bangladesh play. One early morning, my father woke up and found me watching the game. He just stared at me, surprised, but didn't scold me.

Fifteen years later, I am playing for Bangladesh in the same series. If Abba were alive, he might have stayed up all night watching me play.

Anyway, this is for you, Abba ❤️."

The heartfelt tribute resonated widely with fans and teammates, encapsulating the significance of the victory for both the individual and the nation.

Jaker Ali Anik's game-changing knock

A major highlight of Bangladesh's victory was Jaker Ali Anik's crucial innings of 91 runs in the second innings. His gritty knock came at a time when the team desperately needed a steady hand. After a poor showing in the first innings, Bangladesh's batters needed to step up to set a challenging target. Jaker's 91, his Test career best, stood out not just for the runs but also for the composure he displayed under pressure.

Hailing from Kushtia, Anik has been a consistent performer in Bangladesh's domestic circuit. Known for his sharp cricketing acumen, calm demeanour, and power-hitting, Jaker made his mark in this series as a player capable of thriving on the big stage. This innings was a testament to his ability to anchor the innings while also scoring at a crucial pace.

Jaker's efforts, combined with Taijul Islam's brilliant bowling and contributions from the pace attack, helped Bangladesh set a daunting target of 287 for the West Indies, which ultimately proved too much for the hosts.

Bangladesh's historic victory

This victory marked Bangladesh's first Test win in the Caribbean in 15 years, a testament to the growth and resilience of the team. From the fiery spells of Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed to Jaker Ali's composed batting and Taijul Islam's match-winning five-for, the team displayed collective effort and grit.

The match wasn't just about breaking a long-standing drought; it was also about fulfilling dreams. For players like Jaker Ali, who have climbed through the ranks with years of hard work and determination, this win symbolized the culmination of aspirations to represent the national team and bring glory to their country.

This triumph will be remembered not just for the performances but also for the personal stories of perseverance and dedication that it carried with it.