West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has issued a strong reminder not to underestimate Bangladesh in their upcoming three-match ODI series, despite the latter’s recent struggles. The Bangladesh team has faced significant challenges in the ODI format, losing four consecutive series, including a series sweep against Afghanistan. They have managed to secure only two victories out of 14 matches since November of the previous year, marking a difficult period for the team under the leadership of captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with just one win out of ten played.
Sammy acknowledges that playing on home soil gives Bangladesh a considerable advantage. “They know these conditions far better than we do,” he noted, emphasizing the strength of the Bangladeshi team when competing in their own environment. He stated that winning would require “exceptional cricket” from the West Indies. Reflecting on their last visit to Bangladesh in 2021, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat, Sammy reiterated the importance of performing at a high level to succeed away from home.
The West Indies are particularly motivated, as this series offers crucial points for direct qualification to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Sammy confirmed that the team’s focus remains on achieving the necessary points to secure their position for the tournament.
Despite the high stakes, Sammy expressed concerns regarding the conditions they will face, particularly the nature of the Bangladeshi pitch, which he described as “never seen like this before.” This remark highlights the potential difficulties the West Indies batting lineup may face in adapting to the surface.
Having extensive experience playing in Bangladesh, both as a player and as a coach, Sammy is aware of the challenges presented by the subcontinent’s conditions. He mentioned that the West Indies’ preceding tour in India would offer players the opportunity to acclimate to similar playing conditions prior to the series against Bangladesh.
Sammy stressed that understanding the conditions and formulating a strategy is critical for the team’s success. “You assess the conditions and then you decide what is required in order for you to be successful,” he asserted. His comments reflect a balanced perspective on the pressures of international cricket, asserting that while the challenges are significant, his players are well-prepared to face them.