Bangladesh is set to begin a three-match ODI series against the West Indies today, Sunday (December 8), aiming to continue their winning streak against the Caribbean side. The Tigers have won their last four bilateral ODI series against the West Indies.
The first ODI will take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts, starting at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time.
Bangladesh began their current West Indies tour with a Test series. Despite losing the first Test, they won the second, ending the series 1-1. This victory marked their first Test win on Caribbean soil since 2009.
In the ODI format, however, Bangladesh has maintained dominance over the West Indies. They have won all four of their recent bilateral series against the Caribbean team—two at home and two away. Notably, they whitewashed the West Indies in their last two series, winning 3-0 at home in 2021 and 3-0 away in 2022.
The West Indies last won an ODI series against Bangladesh in 2014, when they whitewashed the Tigers in a three-match series at home. This time, the West Indies face the challenge of breaking their losing streak against Bangladesh.
To date, the two teams have faced each other 44 times in ODIs, with both sides winning 21 matches, while two games ended without a result.
The first match of this series is particularly important, as the winning team will gain the edge in their head-to-head record.
Apart from Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland, Bangladesh has not yet led the head-to-head record against any other Test-playing nation. If they win today, it will be the first time the Tigers achieve such a milestone against a Test-playing team.
Bangladesh also sees this series as a preparation platform for next year’s Champions Trophy. This is their last ODI series before the tournament, and they aim to use it to finalize their best squad.
Bangladesh’s Stand-In Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading the team in the absence of regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, commented, “We have an ODI series ahead of us, and it’s a format we enjoy playing. Right now, we have a good pace-bowling unit. We think about how we can improve on the international stage. We make mistakes, but we learn from them.”
Shanto sustained a groin injury during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan and hasn’t fully recovered. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim and middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy are also unavailable due to injuries.
Despite missing some key players, Bangladesh is confident after drawing the Test series. The Tigers are optimistic about performing well in their favorite ODI format.
Bangladesh Squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Liton Kumar Das (Wicketkeeper), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mahmudullah Riyad, Zakir Ali Anik, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
West Indies Squad
Shai Hope (Captain), Brandon King (Vice-Captain), Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Aamir Jango, Alzarri Joseph, Marquino Mindley, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Zedhai Blades, Romario Shepherd.
This ODI series could mark a historic moment for Bangladesh as they look to secure their first head-to-head lead against a Test-playing team. The stage is set for an exciting clash.
