Rishad Hossain produced a sensational spell of leg-spin to guide Bangladesh to a commanding victory over West Indies in the first one-day international at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The 21-year-old became Bangladesh’s first right-arm spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
There had been much talk about Mirpur’s black pitch before the series began, with the curator promising a better batting surface. Yet, Bangladesh struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 207 in 49.4 overs, a total that seemed below par on paper. Tanvir Islam struck a six off the first ball of the final over from Romario Shepherd to take Bangladesh past 200, but Mustafizur Rahman’s run-out two balls later ended the innings just short of their 50-over target.
Towhid Hridoy’s composed 51 off 90 deliveries was the mainstay of the innings, while debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon fell agonisingly short of a fifty, dismissed for 46. Rishad’s late cameo 26 off just 13 balls, including two boundaries and a six provided crucial momentum in the closing stages.
Bangladesh’s innings, however, lacked partnerships. After both openers fell with only eight runs on the board, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Hridoy steadied the innings, adding 71 off 120 balls for the third wicket. Shanto made 32 from 63 deliveries before falling, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with 17. Nurul Hasan Sohan scored 9 off 10 balls before Tanvir’s run-out brought the innings to a close.
For West Indies, Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Roston Chase and Justin Greaves took two each, while Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd claimed one apiece.
In reply, the visitors started cautiously after facing two maiden overs, but once Rishad came into the attack, the game turned decisively in Bangladesh’s favour. He first dismissed Alick Athanaze before running through the middle order, removing Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase. His six-wicket haul, his first in ODIs, left West Indies reeling.
King top-scored with 44, while only Athanaze reached double figures with 27. The rest of the line-up collapsed as Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanvir Islam and Mustafizur Rahman cleaned up the tail, bowling out West Indies for just 115 runs.
