Rishad Hossain showcased an exceptional performance, leading Bangladesh to a convincing 74-run victory over West Indies in the first ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday. The talented leg-spinner achieved remarkable figures of 6 for 35, setting a new record for the best bowling performance by a Bangladeshi spinner in ODIs, surpassing Taijul Islam’s 5 for 28 against the same opposition in 2022.
Rishad’s outstanding contribution also elevated him as the third Bangladeshi bowler, alongside Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, and Mustafizur Rahman, to secure a six-wicket haul in men’s ODIs.
His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match title, following a well-rounded display that included a brisk 26 runs off just 13 deliveries earlier in the innings. His two crucial sixes in the final overs propelled Bangladesh to a total of 207 after facing difficulties in building momentum for most of the match. With this victory, the Tigers established a vital 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Choosing to bat first, Bangladesh faced an early setback, falling to 8 for 2 before recovering through the efforts of Towhid Hridoy (51 off 90 balls) and debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon (46). Hridoy reached his fifty off 87 deliveries, playing a patient and controlled innings, while Mahidul displayed composure in his first ODI, contributing to a crucial 70-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (32) provided stability at the beginning, but the middle order took charge. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh couldn’t push past 220 due to losing wickets in the closing overs. Roston Chase (2/30) and Justin Greaves (2/32) were among the wicket-takers for the West Indies, with Khary Pierre’s impressive 1/19 from 10 overs standing out for its accuracy.
In response, West Indies seemed steady at 79 for 2, with Brandon King (44) and Alick Athanaze (27) leading the chase. However, once Rishad started bowling, the West Indies innings collapsed rapidly. His flight and sharp turn troubled the middle order, dismissing key batsmen like King, Rutherford, Chase, and Seales to secure the victory.
Supported by Mustafizur Rahman (2/16) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1/16), Bangladesh bowled out West Indies for 133 in 39 overs.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh: 207 in 49.4 overs. Towhid Hridoy 51, Mahidul Islam Ankon 46, Najmul Hossain Shanto 32; Jayden Seales 3/48, Roston Chase 2/30
West Indies: 133 in 39 overs (Brandon King 44, Alick Athanaze 27; Rishad Hossain 6/35, Mustafizur Rahman 2/16)
Result: Bangladesh beat West Indies by 74 runs.