Bangladesh secured a dominant 179-run victory against West Indies in the third and final One-Day International, clinching the series 2-1 on Thursday. This commanding win marked Bangladesh’s first ODI series triumph since March 2024, snapping a challenging streak of four consecutive series losses.
The match was largely decided by Bangladesh’s spin attack, which proved incredibly effective by claiming all ten West Indies wickets. Rishad Hossain spearheaded this effort with impressive figures of 3/54, contributing significantly to a new record for a Bangladesh spinner with 12 wickets in a single ODI series. Nasum Ahmed also played a crucial role, taking 3/11 to dismantle the West Indies top order early on. Further support came from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam, who each secured two wickets, while pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s services were not even required.
West Indies struggled immensely, eventually being dismissed for a mere 117 runs in just 30.1 overs. This comprehensive win stands as Bangladesh’s second-largest ODI victory overall and their most significant against West Indies.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a powerful start after captain Mehidy opted to bat first. Openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar laid a formidable foundation with a massive 176-run partnership. Sarkar was particularly aggressive, smashing a quick 91 runs off just 86 balls, an innings adorned with seven fours and four sixes. Hassan, in his sixth ODI appearance, achieved his maiden fifty, scoring 80 from 72 balls, featuring six fours and six sixes. Their combined efforts propelled Bangladesh to a strong total of 296/8.
Despite his earlier heroics in the second match’s Super Over, Akeal Hosain, who recorded his career-best figures of 4/41 in this game, found it difficult to contain Sarkar and Hassan during their explosive partnership. The pitch, which displayed improved and more consistent bounce compared to previous games, seemed to favor the batsmen initially.
In the chase, Najmul Hossain Shanto managed to contribute 55 runs for West Indies before Akeal Hosain claimed three quick wickets in a single over. Nasum Ahmed’s three-wicket spell further crippled the West Indies lineup, reducing them to a perilous 35/3.
Looking ahead, both teams are now set to compete in a T20 series in Chattogram, scheduled to commence on October 27.