West Indies defeat Bangladesh by five wickets in the first one-day international at Warner Park on Sunday.
A maiden hundred from Sherfane Rutherford led the West Indies win over Bangladesh in the match chasing 294 in just 47.4 overs, just seven runs short of completing the highest ever run chase on the ground.
The 26 year-old Rutherford, playing in his 10th ODI, slammed seven fours and eight sixes in his 80-ball innings of 113.
The 26-year-old, who was named player of the match, came to the crease with West Indies 94-3 chasing the 294-6 that Bangladesh posted in their 50 overs.
He added 99 for the fourth wicket with captain Shai Hope who made 86 from 88 balls, before drilling off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz down the throat of Jaker Ali at midwicket.
Rutherford then partnered up with Justin Greaves (41 not out) to add 95 for the sixth wicket, taking West Indies to the brink of victory.
“I think he's really improved his batting,” said Hope of his match-winner.
“We ask for consistency, we always speak about it, and he's showing that. He strikes the ball really well and the hard work is paying off in the middle. He was disappointed not to finish the game.”
However, Bangladesh put up a strong batting display in the first ODI against the West Indies, posting 294/6 in their 50 overs—their second-highest ODI total in the Caribbean.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled early, losing Soumya Sarkar (19 off 18) and Litton Das (2 off 7) for just 40 runs.
However, Tanzid Hasan and skipper Mehidy Hasan steadied the innings with a crucial 79-run stand. Tanzid scored a fluent 60 off 60 balls, including six fours and three sixes, while Mehidy, dropped twice, capitalized to notch 74 off 101 balls with six boundaries and a six.
Afif Hossain contributed 28 off 29 balls, forming a 54-run partnership with Miraz before both departed.
The late fireworks came from Mahmudullah and Zakir Ali Anik, who added 96 runs off 74 balls for the sixth wicket. Zakir smashed 48 off 40 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Mahmudullah stayed unbeaten on 50 off 44 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, marking his 30th ODI half-century.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled for rhythm. Romario Shepherd claimed 3/55, while Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales picked up two and one wickets, respectively.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
