The West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match CG United One Day International Series against Bangladesh, following a historic victory at Warner Park on Sunday. The thrilling win puts Daren Sammy’s team in the driver’s seat ahead of the remaining games this week.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh’s captain, Mehidy Miraz, elected to bat first. The Tigers got off to a flying start with aggressive stroke play, as the openers raced to 34 runs in quick time. However, the Men in Maroon responded effectively through Alzarri Joseph, who dismissed Soumya Sarkar, caught behind. Romario Shepherd followed suit, employing the same method to remove Liton Das.
The Windies had the chance to claim a third wicket before the end of the powerplay, but a potential LBW decision against skipper Miraz was overturned by Decision Review System (DRS). This was followed by a dropped catch off Miraz’s bat near the boundary. Bangladesh capitalized on these moments of fortune, building a crucial 79-run partnership between Miraz and Tanzid Hasan.
The stand was eventually broken by Joseph, who dismissed Hasan. Miraz made the Men in Maroon regret their missed chances, going on to score an impressive 74. Contributions of 50 not out from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah and 48 from Jaker Ali propelled the visitors to a first-innings total of 294.
For the Windies to be victorious in this fixture, they would need to chase down a total that no team has ever chased at Warner Park. The target of 295 would be the most runs ever chased at the venue. The start of this endeavor, however, was not promising, as the home team began their chase under sustained pressure from the visiting seamers. Brandon King was the first victim of this excellent bowling display, falling LBW to Tanzim Hasan Sakib. His opening partner, Evin Lewis, followed soon after, dismissed by Nahid Rana, also via LBW.
Run-scoring quickly dried up following these blows. A recovery effort was needed and was kickstarted by captain Shai Hope. Hope’s skillful play saw him amass 86 runs, most of which came in a 99-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford. When Hope fell in search of quick runs, Rutherford continued his tremendous ball striking.
The Guyanese batsman, who had scored five consecutive half-centuries earlier this year, finally reached three figures, finishing on 113. Rutherford was ably supported by Justin Greaves(41*), who is himself in a purple patch.
The Men in Maroon eventually chased down the total with 14 balls to spare, winning by five wickets.
In the post-match interview, Man of the Match Rutherford noted:
“The key is to work hard on your game. I’m doing everything I can to be disciplined and give myself the best chance of performing well. At first, I tried to hit the gaps, play with good intent, and run well. I know I can always make up at the end even if I start slow.”
The Windies will hope to build on this success as they face the same opposition at the same venue on Tuesday.
Photo credit: Randy Brooks
