West Indies End Decade-Long Drought With Series Win Against Bangladesh

The West Indies achieved their first ODI series win against Bangladesh in a decade, following their break from an 11-match losing streak against the Asian team on Tuesday 10 at Warner Park. 

This triumph over the touring Bangladeshis allowed the Men in Maroon to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the CG United One Day International series. The team were without the services of Alzarri Joseph, who was replaced by Marquino Mindley, making his ODI debut.

Bangladesh got off to a quick start once again, largely thanks to the stroke play of Tanzid Hasan. However, Hasan lost his opening partner early, as Soumya Sarkar was dismissed cheaply off the bowling of Jayden Seales. After applying sustained pressure, Seales also took the wicket of Liton Das, who edged a shot to Evin Lewis at point. Seales’ accuracy also saw him dismiss skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz for just 1 run.

Justin Greaves claimed one wicket, and Gudakesh Motie took two more, further compounding Bangladesh’s misery, leaving them at 109-6 at one stage. An additional wicket, a debut scalp for Mindley, brought Tanzim Hasan Sakib to the crease. The pair put on a record-breaking 92-run partnership with Mohammed Mahmadullah, leading the Bangladeshi fightback. However, two quick wickets pulled the innings back, and Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 227. Seales finished the innings with career-best figures of 4 for 22.

The Windies openers put together a solid stand of 108. The two of them coped well with the Bangladeshi bowling attack for the most part, surviving a few chances that could have led to their dismissals. All seemed well until Evin Lewis was struck in the groin. The batsman struggled to move afterward and was dismissed one run short of a half-century.

Brandon King carried on and was eventually bowled out by Nahid Rana for 82. Further contributions from Keacy Carty, who looked good for his 45, helped the team march toward the target. At the fall of Carty’s wicket, veteran Shai Hope and in-form batsman Sherfane Rutherford guided the team home convincingly by seven wickets.

Man of the Match Seales said the following after the win:

“Didn’t go as well as I wanted [in the] first game, thought about what to do differently and did that. I assessed conditions faster. Figured out batters were coming forward and adjusted to ensure it played into my hands. I knew I had to play a bigger role with Alzarri not around, happy it came off today. I want to bowl good areas all the time and not go searching early.”

The Men in Maroon will hope for a series sweep to gain crucial additional ODI ranking points, when they face the visitors on Thursday.

Photo credit: Getty images.