Bangladesh posted a modest total of 213 for 7 in their 50 overs after choosing to bat first against West Indies in the second ODI at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, on what appeared to be a slow and testing surface. The innings lacked momentum for much of its duration, with a late flourish from Rishad Hossain providing a vital boost in the closing overs.
The top order struggled to impose themselves early on. Saif Hassan departed cheaply for 6 off 16 balls, setting the tone for a cautious start. Soumya Sarkar top-scored among the recognised batters with 45 off 89 deliveries, including three fours and a six, but his inability to rotate the strike put additional pressure on the rest of the line-up. Tawhid Hridoy (12 off 19) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (15 off 21) both failed to build on their starts, and Bangladesh slipped to 68 for 3 by the 17th over.
The middle overs brought little relief, as the run rate continued to dip. Mahidul Islam Ankon made a painstaking 17 off 35 balls, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored the innings with a watchful unbeaten 32 from 58 deliveries. West Indies’ bowlers maintained tight lines and rarely allowed the batters to settle, reducing Bangladesh to just 128 for 6 by the 40th over.
However, just when it seemed they would struggle to reach 180, Rishad Hossain produced a spectacular late assault. His unbeaten 39 from only 14 balls, featuring three sixes and three fours, came at a blistering strike rate of 278.57. Supported briefly by Nurul Hasan, who chipped in with 23 off 24 balls, Rishad helped Bangladesh add 50 runs in the final 4.1 overs and pushed the total to a more respectable 213.
