THE Taunton crowd witnessed the second highest Cricket World Cup run chase of all time as Bangladesh cruised past a surprisingly lacklustre West Indies in the last of the town's three tournament matches.

Shakib Al Hasan struck a magnificent unbeaten 124, with Liton Das making 94 not out, as the Tigers - backed by a jubilant support - made light work of a target of 322 which Windies skipper Jason Holder admitted was "40 or 50 short."

Bangladesh rode their luck at times - a number of top edges fell safely between fielders - but they were helped by a West Indies team who all but threw the towel in as the game progressed.

The body language said it all, with Windies players stood with arms folded or hands in pockets as Bangladesh seized upon increasingly lax fielding.

Perhaps the start to the game was a sign of things to come.

Chris Gayle, back on a ground on which he had smashed bowlers to all parts during two T20 stints with Somerset, went 12 balls without scoring before edging his 13th behind.

Shai Hope and Evin Lewis rebuilt, Hope batting almost right the way through the innings for 96, and Shimron Hetmyer's 25-ball half century included three enormous sixes.

They should have had a chance of defending 321 given their talented bowling attack, but each of the Windies pacemen bowled too short and Bangladesh lapped it up.

Tamim Iqbal made a brisk 48 and, though the West Indies were given a glimmer of hope when two quick wickets saw the Tigers reduced to 133-3, Shakib and Das ensured there were no further slip-ups and kept their side in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals.

The Windies attack could have done with someone of the quality of Joel Garner, who was back in Taunton enjoying the action.

Garner was confident at the start of the day but cut a frustrated figure at the post-match presentation, knowing his countrymen are now all but out of the tournament with four matches still to play.

The Bangladesh fans, meanwhile, were dancing in the stands almost throughout the reply and created a brilliant atmosphere.

They, along with Afghanistan and Pakistan supporters in their respective matches, have been a joy to behold in Taunton over the past nine days and really added colour, verve and noise to the County Ground stands.

Taunton has shown itself capable of hosting international cricket in these three matches and the occasions will live long in the memory of those who have savoured them.