Cricket News: West Indies VS Bangladesh 1st ODI- Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz propel Bangladesh to a winning start

West Indies are yet to defeat Bangladesh in an ODI game since December 2018, having lost nine matches in a row. 

Bangladesh bowlers backed the decision of bowling first by controlling the proceedings in the first half of the game itself. They left West Indies batters hapless to dismiss them at a below-par score of 149/9 in 41 overs. Apart from Shamarh Brook's 33-off 66, no other batter could fetch a 30-plus score. Tailenders Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales, unbeaten 21 and 16, added quick 39 in the end. Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz walked down the complete order as the duo scalped seven wickets together. 

To defend the total, the hosts never looked into the game as bowlers looked out of control, restricting the running flow. Despite taking the opener Litton Das early, West Indies failed to capitalise and build pressure on the visitors. Bangladesh managed to get stable partnerships at every wicket to chase down the total in 31.5 overs with six wickets to spare. For hosts, no bowler except for Gudakesh Motie was confident in the line and length of balls being bowled. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was adjudged Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul. After winning, the bowler said, "We weren't able to practice for the last few days because of rain. The wicket was tricky. It did turn a little. So, I kept it simple. We played really well against SA in the ODIs. Here we lost the Tests and T20Is. But we bounced back."

After losing the first ODI, West Indies will look to find a way to end their losing streak against Bangladesh in this format. SecondODI will be played at the same venue on 13th July 2022.