MIRPUR, Bangladesh — In a tense showdown, the West Indies triumphed over Bangladesh in a Super Over on Tuesday, leveling the three-match ODI series at 1-1. The match, characterized by exceptional spin bowling, ended with both teams finishing at 213-9, marking a historic event as spinners bowled 92 of the total 100 overs—the highest proportion in ODI history.
Setting a remarkable record, the West Indies utilized their spin attack throughout the entire 50 overs, with Mustafizur Rahman being the sole fast bowler from Bangladesh, contributing eight overs to the effort. This match also marked a milestone for Bangladesh, as it was their first experience in a tied game after competing in 813 matches across various formats.
In the Super Over, the lineup from Bangladesh struggled to chase down the target of 11 runs despite facing some wayward deliveries from West Indies’ Akeal Hosein, who initially conceded four runs before delivering a legal ball. Akeal’s bowling proved crucial as he claimed the wicket of Soumya Sarkar and successfully defended the small total, keeping the West Indies’ hopes alive in the three-match series.
Shai Hope emerged as a key player, anchoring the innings with an outstanding unbeaten score of 53, including four boundaries. In addition, he played a pivotal role in the Super Over, hitting a significant boundary to support his team’s effort. Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain, fresh off an impressive 6-35 in the first match, was once again a thorn in the West Indies’ side, taking 3-42.
Bangladesh’s strategy involved early breakthroughs, with Nasum Ahmed dismissing Brandon King for a duck and Rishad following up with quick wickets of Alick Athanaze (28) and Keacy Carty (35). The impressive spin duo of Rishad and Tanvir Islam put the West Indies in a precarious position at 133-7.
However, Hope, along with Justin Greaves, managed to add 44 runs for the eighth wicket before the run out of Greaves for 26 put the pressure back on the West Indies. As the match reached its nail-biting conclusion, Khary Pierre’s two runs off the final ball were enough to push the game into a Super Over, as Bangladesh’s wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan missed a critical catch.
The excitement continues as the series-deciding match is set for Thursday, promising more thrilling cricket between these two competitive sides.