Bangladesh kicked off their three-match ODI series against West Indies with a commanding 74-run victory on Saturday, largely thanks to an extraordinary, career-defining performance by Rishad Hossain.
Hossain recorded sensational figures of 6/35, marking his personal best and the second-finest bowling spell ever by a Bangladeshi in One Day Internationals, surpassed only by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s 6-26 against Kenya back in 2006. Not just with the ball, Rishad also showcased his batting prowess with a rapid 26 runs off just 13 deliveries.
Chasing Bangladesh’s total, West Indies started relatively well on Mirpur’s slow pitch, with openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze providing a decent platform.
However, the momentum dramatically shifted when Rishad Hossain was brought into the attack in the 12th over. He quickly made his mark, first dismissing Athanaze for 27, followed by the wicket of Keacy Carty. He then accounted for Brandon King, who was the top-scorer for the West Indies with 44 runs, leaving the West Indies struggling at 82-3 by the 22nd over.
Rishad’s relentless eight-over spell systematically dismantled the West Indies middle order. The visiting team capitulated rapidly, losing their final seven wickets for a mere 51 runs.
Supporting Hossain’s brilliance was Mustafizur Rahman, who chipped in with excellent figures of 2-16, ensuring West Indies were bowled out for a meager 133 in just 39 overs.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s innings began shakily, finding themselves at 8-2 in the third over. It was Towhid Hridoy who stepped up, playing a composed innings of 51 runs from 90 balls, which included three well-struck boundaries, to stabilize the team.
Hridoy, alongside Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 32 runs, forged a vital 71-run partnership that brought Bangladesh back into the game.
After elegantly bringing up his 11th ODI half-century with a single off Roston Chase, Hridoy’s innings concluded when he was dismissed by Justin Greaves.
Debutante Mahidul Islam Ankon added a valuable 46 runs, and Rishad’s aggressive late-order hitting proved crucial, pushing Bangladesh to a respectable total of 207 before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.
Cricket fans can look forward to the second match of the series, scheduled for Tuesday.