Bangladesh finally found their batting rhythm as they posted 296 for 8 in the series-deciding ODI against West Indies on Thursday at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, powered by a brilliant opening partnership between Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hasan. The duo added 176 runs to give Bangladesh a solid platform to build a big total, reports the Daily Sun.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first on a used wicket expected to offer turn from the start. However, the openers quickly found the rhythm, making effective use of sweep and reverse-sweep shots.
Bangladesh added 74 runs in the batting power-play—the highest since March 2023. Luck also favoured them, as Saif was dropped on 41 and Soumya on 35. The pair capitalized on these chances, scoring at a brisk pace to lift Bangladesh to a commanding position.
West Indies claimed their first breakthrough in the 25.2 over when Saif tried to clear the long-on boundary off Roston Chase after scoring 80 off 72 balls, including six fours and six sixes—an innings at a strike rate of 111. This ended the first 100-run opening partnership for Bangladesh since March 2023. Their 176-run stand was also the second-highest opening partnership for the team in ODIs.
Soumya followed a similar fate, missing a slog sweep off Akeal Hosein in the 28.1 over. His 91-run innings, compiled off 86 balls with seven fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 105, ended in visible disappointment as he fell short of another ODI century.
At that stage, Bangladesh were 2 for 181. Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto carried the score to 200 in 31.4 overs. But after the two dismissals, the innings lost momentum. Towhid scored 28 off 44 balls before falling in the 39.5 over, unable to maintain the brisk run rate. Najmul soon followed with a well-made 44 off 55 balls.
The middle and lower order struggled to accelerate. Mahidul Islam (6), Rishad Hossain (3), and Nasum Ahmed (1) failed to make an impact, while Nurul Hasan (16) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (17) gradually nudged Bangladesh closer to 300.
For the visitors, Akeal Hosein was the standout bowler, taking 4 for 41. Alick Athanaze grabbed 2 for 37, while Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie took one wicket each.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
