The West Indies have leveled the three-match One Day International series against Bangladesh in nail-biting fashion. After suffering a thumping defeat in the first fixture, the Men in Maroon were in desperate need of a comeback. The match, played on October 21 at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium, saw talented Saint Lucian left-handed batsman Ackeem Auguste make his ODI debut. Notably, the West Indies fielded no frontline fast bowlers.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. A steady diet of spin bowling was served up to the Tigers, as the West Indies delivered the most overs of spin ever in a One Day International — bowling all 50 overs with slower bowlers. Bangladesh struggled to score for most of the innings, with most batters failing to maintain a run-a-ball pace.
However, a quickfire knock of 39 runs off just 14 balls from Rishad Hossain lifted the hosts to an unlikely total of 213-7 — an improvement over their score at the same venue in the first match of the series. Gudakesh Motie led the West Indies bowling attack with figures of 3-65, while part-time spinner Alick Athanaze chipped in with two wickets for just 14 runs.
In reply, the West Indies lost Brandon King early, prompting a cautious powerplay period. The middle overs saw momentum swing between both sides. In need of a steady hand to anchor the innings, captain Shai Hope stepped up, scoring an unbeaten 53 and guiding the team into the final over. With five runs required and Akeal Hosein partnering Hope in a solid ninth-wicket stand, victory seemed within reach. However, Hosein missed two deliveries and was bowled, leaving Khary Pierre needing three runs off the final ball. The Trinidadian skied the ball, and it appeared Bangladesh would clinch an unlikely win — until wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan dropped the catch, allowing the batsmen to run two and force a Super Over.
In the Super Over, the Windies were 1-1 after two balls, with Sherfane Rutherford falling in pursuit of quick runs. A mix of sharp running and a fortunate edge for four off the final ball saw the Men in Maroon post ten runs to defend.
Akeal Hosein took the ball for the Super Over. From one legal delivery, Bangladesh scored five runs, aided by a wide, a no-ball, and three additional runs, leaving them needing six from the final five balls. Hosein held his nerve, taking a wicket and bringing the game down to the last ball. After bowling another wide, Bangladesh required three runs off the final delivery — but the batsmen failed to capitalize, and the West Indies emerged victorious.
The Men in Maroon will hope to carry this momentum into the series decider on October 30.
