The second ODI between Bangladesh and the West Indies is underway at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, with Bangladesh winning the toss and choosing to bat first. The hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0, will be aiming to seal the series today, while the visitors seek to bounce back and take the contest to a decider.
Bangladesh made one change to their line-up, with left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed replacing pacer Taskin Ahmed to strengthen the spin attack on a surface expected to favour slower bowlers. “We would love to bat first. I think 230 to 240 is a very good score on this wicket,” said captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the toss. “We could have scored 30 runs more in the last match because we did not play the full 50 overs. If we play 50 overs, we can definitely achieve that.”
Reflecting on the opening win, Mehidy praised debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon, who impressed with a composed and positive innings after early wickets. “Definitely, it was an excellent start from Mahidul. The way he batted, we never expected a debutant to play with such bravery and positivity. After two quick wickets, we had a good partnership between Hridoy and Mahidul. That was our key point in the last game.”
West Indies, meanwhile, made two changes. Akeal Hosein replaced Jayden Seales to reinforce the spin department, while debutant Ackeem Auguste came in for Romario Shepherd. Captain Shai Hope emphasised the importance of adapting to spin in the middle overs. “The discussion has been about formulating our plan around the team plan, especially against the spin in the middle overs. We’ve got to shape our game towards coming out on top of that challenge. The discussion has been very positive; the guys are ready for this game.”
Hope acknowledged the pitch conditions, noting that both spin and seam could be effective. “It’s definitely more spinner-friendly. Seamers can also extract something good from the surface if they can put the ball in the right areas. It’s more about the lines and lengths rather than just relying on spin. Once you put the ball in the right areas, it’s always going to be difficult for a batsman to score on a surface like this.”
Bangladesh will rely heavily on their spinners once again, with Rishad Hossain’s six-wicket haul in the first ODI proving decisive. With Nasum Ahmed now added to the mix alongside Tanvir Islam and captain Mehidy, the home side are backing spin to win.
However, their batting remains a concern, having been bowled out in each of their last four ODIs. The top order, including Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be under pressure to deliver a more complete performance.
The West Indies bowlers had impressed in the first match by dismissing Bangladesh for 207 but failed to capitalise with the bat after a promising 51-run opening stand. They will need more from senior players such as Brandon King, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford and Hope himself if they are to level the series.
Cricket analyst Saleque Sufi noted that while Bangladesh are expected to win given the conditions, relying on spin-friendly pitches may not serve the team’s long-term interests. “For sustainable growth and development of Bangladesh cricket, home ground wickets must be sporting. Bangladesh has a more than useful bowling attack. Batting needs planning and a change of heart,” he said.
Bangladesh XI: 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), 6 Mahidul Islam Ankon, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
West Indies XI: 1 Brandon King, 2 Alick Athanaze, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (c & wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Ackeem Auguste, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Gudakesh Motie, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Akeal Hosein
