At the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, batsmen struggled to score runs in the first two ODIs of the Bangladesh-West Indies series, with spinners dominating the contests. However, in the third ODI, Saif Hasan and Soumya Sarkar played with great ease and composure. Under the captaincy of Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh posted a near-300 total.
With the three-match series tied 1-1, today’s third ODI became the series decider. Bangladesh started strongly but suffered a sudden collapse in the middle of their innings. Yet, the home side rallied towards the end with a late surge. West Indies now need 297 runs to win the match.
Bangladesh ended a wait of two and a half years to produce a century-opening partnership in ODIs. It was their first such stand in 945 days and after 45 innings.
In the third ODI at Mirpur, the openers Saif Hasan and Soumya Sarkar put on 176 runs off 152 balls against West Indies — Bangladesh’s highest opening partnership in ODIs at this ground.
Both openers looked set for centuries but fell just short of the milestone.
On the second ball of the 26th over, Saif attempted a slog sweep against Roston Chase but mistimed the shot, resulting in a catch at long-on by Justin Greaves. Saif finished with a dazzling 80 runs off 72 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes.
Within three overs of Saif’s dismissal, Bangladesh lost their second wicket. On the first ball of the 29th over, Soumya tried a slog sweep against Akil Hossain but was caught by Akim Auguste at deep mid-wicket. Soumya scored 91 runs off 86 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.
At the fall of these two wickets, Bangladesh’s score was 181 for 2 in 28.1 overs.
The third wicket partnership between Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy added 50 runs, stabilising the innings. Shanto played a steady innings, facing 70 balls to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive.
Despite the strong start and the impressive opening partnership, Bangladesh couldn’t quite reach the 300-run mark. However, their total of just under 300 sets up an exciting challenge for the West Indies, who must chase 297 to win and take the series.