What a nail-biter! The West Indies pulled off a stunning one-run victory against Bangladesh in a Super Over thriller in Dhaka, levelling the three-match ODI series 1-1. The match was full of drama, showcasing some incredible spin bowling and tense moments right down to the wire.
Spin Domination: A Tactical Masterclass
In a remarkable move, the West Indies became the first team to bowl an entire 50-over innings using only spin bowlers in a men's or women's ODI. This bold strategy paid off as they restricted Bangladesh to 213-7. Gudakesh Motie was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-65. Even though the pitch offered decent turn, the average deviation was lower than in the first ODI, where seam bowlers played a key role.
Key Moments and Super Over Drama
Bangladesh's innings saw Soumya Sarkar top-score with 45, while Rishad Hossain provided a strong finish with 39. However, the West Indies chase was anchored by Shai Hope, who scored a crucial 53, the only half-century of the match.
The final over was a rollercoaster. With five runs needed, Saif Hassan bowled two dot balls before conceding a single. A risky single left Akeal Hosein vulnerable, and he was bowled. On the last ball, Khary Pierre top-edged, but a dropped catch allowed the West Indies to tie the match and force a Super Over!
Super Over Showdown
The West Indies set a target of 10 runs in the Super Over. Despite Akeal Hosein's less-than-perfect over, Bangladesh could only manage nine runs. Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, and Najmul Hossain Shanto couldn't secure the winning runs, handing West Indies a dramatic victory.
This match marked Bangladesh's first-ever tie in men's international cricket after 813 games. The West Indies' spin-heavy approach and Shai Hope's heroics ensured a memorable win, keeping the series alive.