Bangladesh cricketers have returned to the international cricket in a grand style. They stunned everyone. What a magnificent beginning of Tigers after more than 10 months’ break from ODIs!
Tigers bagged a six-wicket win against West Indies in the very first ODI of three-match Bangabandhu Bangladesh vs West Indies Cricket Series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Shakib Al Hasan the country’s poster boy showed a powerful display with the ball (4/8 in 7.2), while he scored 19 runs. Skipper Tamim Iqbal and other opener Liton Das came to wicket to chase a petty target of 122.
Both openers made a steady start of 47 runs in the opening stand. From a brilliant delivery of Akeal Hosein, Liton (14) made his way to the pavilion.
Newly promoted on number three position Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to impress as he departed with just a single run. After that Shakib came to give company the skipper with the bat.
Tamim’s (44) innings came to an end when the team was on 83 for 2, he also missed his half century for just six runs. Shakib failed to finish the game with wicket-keeping batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (14*) and Mahmudullah (6*) played their role to end the game.
The West Indians played with six debuts. The lack of experience was clearly seen as the batsmen failed score a good total. Their innings ended with just 122 runs.
There was a debutant from Bangladesh too - Hasan Mahmud - who bagged three wickets for 28. Mustafizur Rahman removed Sunil Ambris in the second over before a short rain delay forced the players off the field. There were no overs lost but West Indies were handed another setback when the pacer nipped out Joshua Da Silva as well in the sixth over.
The two early wickets put the brakes on their run-scoring and Shakib took full advantage of that to tighten the noose. West Indies were soon reeling at 56 for 6. Jason Mohammed was stumped while Nkrumah Bonner was bowled as Shakib teased and tempted and defeated the visiting batsmen.
Rovman Powell and Kyle Mayers scored 59 for the sixth wicket but Mahmud bagged two wickets in two balls to pin West Indies on the mat. The West Indies batsmen were poor with their reviews as well and that hurt their chances with Raymon Reifer falling to a wrong lbw call. Alzarri Joseph was the last batsman to be dismissed as Shakib ensured there was no late surge.
