Bangladesh began their home ODI series against the West Indies with a commanding 74-run victory in the first match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The hosts successfully defended a modest total of 207, thanks to a sensational spell from young leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who ran through the Caribbean batting order to secure a memorable win for his side.
Bangladesh post a fighting total after early collapse
Put in to bat first, Bangladesh endured a shaky start as openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar departed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 7 for 2. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy then steadied the innings with a patient 70-run stand for the third wicket. Hridoy played a composed knock of 51 off 90 deliveries, while Shanto contributed 32 from 63 balls.
Debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon impressed with his calm temperament, adding a crucial 46 off 76 deliveries. Later, Rishad provided a much-needed late flourish, smashing 26 off just 13 balls with two sixes, helping Bangladesh reach 207 before being bowled out in the 50th over.
For the visitors, Jayden Seales led the attack with figures of 3 for 48, while Roston Chase (2/30) and Justin Greaves (2/32) offered valuable support.
Rishad spins West Indies into trouble
Chasing 208 for victory, the West Indies got off to a decent start as Brandon King and Alick Athanaze added 50 runs for the opening wicket. However, once Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Athanaze for 27, the visitors’ innings fell apart dramatically. Skipper Shai Hope struggled to find fluency, while Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase failed to make an impact in the middle order.
Enter Rishad, who turned the game on its head with a brilliant exhibition of leg-spin bowling. The 21-year-old bamboozled the Caribbean batters with his flight and variations, finishing with career-best figures of 6 for 35 in his nine-over spell. Mustafizur (2/16) provided excellent support with the new ball as West Indies were bundled out for just 133 in 39 overs.
Brandon top-scored for the visitors with a fluent 44, but lacked support from the other end. Bangladesh’s fielding and bowling discipline stood out throughout the innings, as they maintained pressure from start to finish.
With this victory, Bangladesh have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Rishad was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning six-wicket haul.
