Bangladesh Crush West Indies by 179 Runs to Seal ODI Series 2-1

Bangladesh capped off their ODI series against the West Indies in spectacular fashion with a 179-run victory in the third and final match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The win not only secured a 2-1 series triumph but also marked Bangladesh’s first ODI series win since March 2024, breaking a long spell of inconsistency.

From a blistering 176-run opening stand between Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan to another clinical bowling display led by Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed, it was a complete performance that reflected a team rediscovering its rhythm and confidence.

Soumya and Saif Set the Stage with Record Stand

The foundation of Bangladesh’s dominant total — 296 for 8 — was built on the back of a stunning opening partnership between Soumya Sarkar (91 off 86) and Saif Hassan (80 off 72). The duo played with remarkable freedom, bringing back memories of Bangladesh’s peak years when openers laid the groundwork for big totals.

Their 176-run stand was Bangladesh’s second-highest opening partnership in ODI history and the first century stand at the Shere Bangla Stadium in 10 years. The pair tore into the West Indies bowling attack, which had relied heavily on spin throughout the series.

Saif started the onslaught early, hitting Akeal Hosein for two boundaries in the opening over and following up with a classy inside-out six. Sarkar, meanwhile, brought flair to the innings, reverse-sweeping Roston Chase for back-to-back sixes and dominating both spinners and pacers.

By the 16th over, Bangladesh had brought up their 100-run stand, with Saif reaching his maiden ODI fifty. Sarkar wasn’t far behind, hammering Khary Pierre and Gudakesh Motie to move into the 90s. Unfortunately, both fell short of centuries — Saif caught at long-on and Sarkar at midwicket for 91 — but their fireworks ensured Bangladesh were well-placed for a strong finish.

Middle-Order Falters but Bangladesh Still Post 296

After the openers departed, the middle order found it harder to maintain the same momentum. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy added a steady 50-run stand for the third wicket, but quick strikes from the West Indies bowlers stalled Bangladesh’s acceleration.

Alick Athanaze took a brilliant running catch to dismiss Shanto, and Akeal Hosein struck late, removing Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Nasum Ahmed in one over to finish with 4 for 41.

Still, Bangladesh’s total of 296 looked imposing on the slow Dhaka track, especially with the spin trio of Nasum, Tanvir Islam, and Rishad waiting to exploit the conditions.

West Indies Collapse Under Pressure

The West Indies’ reply was short-lived. They were bundled out for just 117 in 30.1 overs, never managing to recover from early setbacks. Nasum Ahmed set the tone with a fiery spell, dismissing Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste lbw in quick succession.

Nasum’s third victim was Brandon King, bowled for 18 after attempting to attack recklessly. From there, the collapse accelerated. Shai Hope, the captain and mainstay, fell for only 4, while Sherfane Rutherford’s miserable series ended with another low score.

Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh’s standout performer throughout the series, struck again, finishing with 3 for 54. His wickets took his tally to 12 for the series, making him the first Bangladeshi bowler since 2015 to claim more than 10 wickets in a bilateral ODI series.

Tanvir Islam also impressed, returning 2 for 16 in 8 overs, while the fielding unit complemented the bowlers with sharp catches and high energy throughout.

 Rishad Hossain: Bangladesh’s New Match-Winner

If there was one consistent force in Bangladesh’s turnaround, it was Rishad Hossain. The young leg-spinner has matured into a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs — a role Bangladesh had long struggled to fill.

His ability to vary pace and flight troubled every West Indian batter across the series. His performance not only earned him the Player of the Series award but also hinted at a bright future for Bangladesh’s spin department.

Rishad’s success is part of a broader trend in Bangladesh cricket — the emergence of fearless, attacking cricketers who are willing to take risks and play with intent, both with bat and ball.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz: “This Win Can Turn Things Around”

After the match, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz lauded his team’s performance and highlighted the importance of this victory in rebuilding Bangladesh’s confidence. “Alhamdulillah, we started very well. The way Soumya and Saif batted gave us the perfect start. We knew we had to be positive after a difficult few months, and everyone responded to that challenge,” Miraz said.

“Rishad Hossain played really well throughout the series. When every player contributes like this, it makes my job easier as captain. Hopefully, this win helps us get back to our best and become more consistent in ODIs.”

The win, he added, was “crucial for Bangladesh to get back into winning ways” after a tough year of mixed results.

A Step Toward Consistency

The 2-1 series victory over West Indies is more than just a statistical milestone — it’s a symbolic turning point. Bangladesh had endured a turbulent run in white-ball cricket, with frequent batting collapses and an over-reliance on individual brilliance.

This series showed glimpses of a balanced unit: aggressive openers, disciplined middle-order batters, and a potent spin trio. If the Tigers can maintain this blend of aggression and discipline, they may soon regain their place as one of the most competitive ODI sides in Asia.

With more international fixtures lined up next year, this win provides a much-needed morale boost and a template for success in home and away conditions.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s 179-run demolition of the West Indies was a statement — one that echoed far beyond the Shere Bangla National Stadium. From Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan’s fireworks to Rishad Hossain’s relentless spin, every aspect of the game clicked perfectly.

For fans, it was a reminder of Bangladesh’s potential and the exciting future that lies ahead. For the team, it was proof that belief, discipline, and intent can bring back the glory days of Bangladeshi cricket.