Mirpur, Dhaka – In a dominant performance that underscored their growing prowess in the 50-over format, Bangladesh secured a comprehensive victory over the West Indies in the third and final One Day International, sealing the series 2-1. The commanding 179-run win in the series decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium showcased an impressive all-round display, with a scintillating opening partnership setting the stage before a devastating spin attack completely dismantled the visitors.
The victory was Bangladesh’s first ODI series win since March last year, and it was achieved in emphatic fashion, proving their mettle in a high-stakes encounter after the series was leveled following a dramatic Super Over finish in the second ODI.
A Foundation Laid in Style
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Tigers got off to a dream start thanks to a magnificent opening partnership between Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar. The duo put on a massive 176-run stand, the highest first-wicket partnership for Bangladesh against the West Indies in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 144.
Saif Hassan, playing an aggressive innings, smashed his maiden ODI fifty, scoring a brilliant 80 off just 72 balls, an innings studded with six fours and six sixes. Not to be outdone, Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings before accelerating, falling just nine runs short of a century with a fluent 91 off 86 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes.
While a late collapse saw Bangladesh lose a few quick wickets, their middle-order batsmen, including a handy contribution from Towhid Hridoy, ensured the strong platform was capitalised upon, pushing the final total to a formidable 296 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. For the West Indies, spinner Akeal Hosein was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 4/41.
Spin Web Rips Through West Indies
Chasing a challenging target of 297, the West Indies’ batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure exerted by the Bangladeshi spin attack. The hosts deployed a spin-only attack for the entire West Indies’ innings, a strategy that paid rich dividends on the slow and turning Dhaka pitch.
The visitors never found any momentum, losing wickets in clusters and struggling to negotiate the turning ball. Openers Alick Athanaze (15) and Brandon King (4) fell cheaply, and the top order was decimated, leaving them reeling at 39/3 within the first ten overs. Skipper Shai Hope’s failure further compounded their woes.
The spin quartet of Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Tanvir Islam all bowled exceptionally well, sharing the spoils and choking the run flow. Nasum Ahmed (3/11) and Rishad Hossain (3/54) each claimed three wickets, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/35) and Tanvir Islam (2/16) picked up two apiece.
Rishad Hossain was particularly impressive, showcasing his rich vein of form to finish the series with 12 wickets, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler since 2015 to take more than ten wickets in a bilateral ODI series.
The West Indies were eventually bundled out for a mere 117 in 30.1 overs, handing Bangladesh a crushing 179-run victory and the series trophy. Only Akeal Hosein, with a quick-fire 27 off 15 balls, provided any late resistance.
The emphatic nature of the series-clinching win firmly establishes Bangladesh’s dominance in home conditions and marks a memorable triumph for the Tigers.
