Bangladesh couldn’t capitalize on a near-300-run total as the West Indies cruised to a 5-wicket victory in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday in St. Kitts. Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and the rest of the bowlers failed to defend the score as the Caribbean side showcased dominance in their chase.
After winning the toss, the Tigers opted to bat first and posted 294/6 in their allotted 50 overs. However, despite applying some pressure early in the chase, Bangladesh couldn’t sustain it, allowing the West Indies’ middle order to take control. The hosts secured the win in 47.4 overs, with Sherfane Rutherford shining with a blistering century, scoring 113 off 80 balls.
Match Summary
Bangladesh’s innings:
The Tigers started aggressively, with Soumya Sarkar giving a quick start. However, his cameo of 19 off 18 balls ended early, and Liton Das, batting at number three in a new role, struggled and fell for just 1 run off 7 balls.
Opener Tanzid Tamim played an impressive innings, steadying the ship after the loss of early wickets. He partnered with Mehidy Hasan Miraz to form a 79-run stand. Tamim reached his third ODI fifty off just 46 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 5 fours, before being dismissed for 60 off 60 deliveries.
Miraz continued with a composed 74 off 101 balls, adding valuable partnerships with Afif Hossain (54-run stand) and Mahmudullah Riyad. However, Afif departed for 28, and Miraz followed soon after, leaving Bangladesh at 179/4.
Mahmudullah and Zakir Ali then stepped up, adding 96 runs off 74 balls. Mahmudullah remained unbeaten with a quickfire 50 off 44 balls, while Zakir fell just shy of his fifty, scoring 48 off 40 balls before being dismissed on the second-to-last delivery. Romario Shepherd claimed 3 wickets for the hosts, while Alzarri Joseph picked up 2.
West Indies’ innings:
Chasing 295, the West Indies were in early trouble, losing two wickets for just 27 runs. Tanzim Sakib dismissed Brandon King (9), while Nahid Rana trapped Evin Lewis (16) LBW.
Shai Hope steadied the innings with Casey Carty, adding 67 runs for the third wicket before Carty (21) was removed by Rishad Hossain. Hope continued to anchor the chase with a well-made 86 off 88 balls, but his dismissal left the West Indies at 193/4 in the 37th over.
Rutherford took charge from there, smashing 7 fours and 8 sixes to reach his maiden ODI century. Along with Justin Greaves, he added 95 runs in just 57 balls, putting the result beyond doubt. Rutherford was eventually dismissed by Soumya Sarkar for 113, but Greaves remained unbeaten on 41 off 31 balls, sealing the win.
Key Performances:
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Tamim: 60 (60 balls)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 74 (101 balls)
Mahmudullah Riyad: 50* (44 balls)
Zakir Ali: 48 (40 balls)
West Indies:
Sherfane Rutherford: 113 (80 balls)
Shai Hope: 86 (88 balls)
Justin Greaves: 41* (31 balls)
Bowling Highlights:
Romario Shepherd: 3/50
Alzarri Joseph: 2/47
For Bangladesh, all bowlers took one wicket each, but none were able to exert consistent pressure.
Notable:
This win breaks the West Indies’ 11-match losing streak against Bangladesh in ODIs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The next two games are scheduled for December 10 and 12.
