Dhaka, Bangladesh – The West Indies cricket team suffered a significant blow in the first One Day International (ODI) of their tour, falling to Bangladesh by 74 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on October 18, 2025. A stellar all-round performance, spearheaded by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, saw the home side take a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Set a modest target of 208, the Caribbean side crumbled under pressure, losing ten wickets for just 133 runs to hand Bangladesh a comfortable victory in what was a crucial series for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of major international tournaments.
Bangladesh Sets a Defensible Total
After West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bowl first, Bangladesh managed to post a total of 207 before being bowled out in the final over of their innings. While no individual batter reached three figures, the innings was characterized by gritty contributions from the middle order and a crucial late surge. Tawhid Hridoy was the top scorer with a patient 51 off 90 balls, while Mahidul Islam Ankon played a vital anchor role with 46 from 76 deliveries. Young Rishad Hossain provided a vital impetus towards the end, smashing 26 runs off just 13 balls, including two sixes, to push the total past the 200-run mark.
For the West Indies, the bowling attack showed promise, with Jayden Seales being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 48 runs. Justin Greaves and Roston Chase also chipped in with two wickets apiece, demonstrating the visitors’ capability to take wickets, but failing to contain the Bangladeshi batters effectively throughout the innings.
West Indies Batting Collapse Decides the Match
The West Indies’ chase began positively, with openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze forging a 51-run partnership. King, who went on to top-score for his team with 44, looked in good touch, and Athanaze contributed a brisk 27. However, the dismissal of Athanaze proved to be the turning point, triggering a dramatic collapse. The Caribbean side lost ten wickets for just 82 runs, with the Bangladeshi bowlers, particularly Rishad Hossain, dismantling their batting order.
Rishad Hossain was the chief architect of the West Indies’ downfall, claiming an exceptional six wickets for a mere 31 runs. His spell choked the flow of runs and consistently picked up wickets, leaving the West Indies with no answer. Tanvir Islam also picked up a wicket, while the other Bangladeshi bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
Captains’ Perspectives and Series Context
West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the challenging nature of the pitch, describing it as difficult for batters to settle. He noted the promising start from the openers but expressed disappointment in the middle-order’s inability to build on it. “It’s one of those pitches when you never feel as though you’re in as a batter,” Hope stated post-match. “We need to take learnings from this game and find ways as batters to not let them settle, maybe be a little bit more positive and try to take them off their lengths a bit more. We definitely found it difficult in the middle.”
While this match report focuses on the first ODI, Head Coach Daren Sammy, reflecting on the broader series performance in Bangladesh, had previously described the team’s overall showing as “poor and disappointing,” citing a lack of consistency in bowling and batting under pressure.
The series is significant not just for bilateral bragging rights but also as part of the preparations for future ICC events. For the West Indies, who missed out on direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup, ensuring strong performances in the ODI format is paramount as they look towards the 2027 edition.
Historically, the West Indies have held an edge over Bangladesh in ODIs, with 24 wins to Bangladesh’s 21 in 47 encounters prior to this match. However, Bangladesh has proven formidable at home, winning the last three series against the West Indies in their own backyard, with the Caribbean side’s last away series win dating back to 2011.
Looking Ahead
The loss places immediate pressure on the West Indies to regroup and strategize for the remaining two ODIs. They will need to find solutions to their batting frailties and adapt better to the conditions to avoid surrendering the series. Bangladesh, buoyed by their opening victory and home advantage, will aim to capitalize on their momentum. The second ODI is scheduled for October 21 at the same venue, where the West Indies will be desperate to level the series. This encounter in Dhaka has set an intriguing tone for the remainder of the white-ball sports news from the Caribbean nation.