When Rishad Hossain spun a career‑best six‑for‑35, Bangladesh national cricket team pounced on the Dhaka pitch to win by 74 runs in the first One Day International of the West Indies tour of Bangladesh 2025-26 – 1st ODIDhaka. The visitors, West Indies cricket team, were bundled out for 133 in 39 overs, never recovering from a promising 50‑run opening stand.
Background: West Indies Tour of Bangladesh 2025-26
The tour, scheduled from mid‑October to early November 2025, pits a West Indian side still searching for its identity against a Bangladesh outfit that has become a fortress on home soil. Bangladesh have not lost a home ODI series since 2018, and the spin‑friendly Dhaka venue has been a major factor. The series opener was billed as a litmus test for the Caribbean’s young batting line‑up, which has struggled to adapt to turning tracks.
Both teams made a few squad tweaks ahead of the match. Bangladesh called up all‑rounders Soumya Sarkar and Mahidul Islam Janata, leaving out Mohammad Naim and Nahid Rana after a 3‑0 defeat to Afghanistan. West Indies retained a mix of experienced pacers and emerging spinners, hoping to blunt Bangladesh’s spin threat.
Match Summary: Bangladesh’s Dominant Victory
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, posting a respectable 207/6 in 50 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 38 runs, while the opening pair of Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal steadied the innings. The real game‑changer, however, was Rishad Hossain, who added 26 quick runs at the end of the innings, lifting the total to a defendable score.
When the West Indies began their chase, the opening partnership of Brandon King and Alick Athanaze looked solid, putting on 50 runs without loss. King’s 44 off 60 balls and Athanaze’s 27 off 36 gave the visitors hope.
But the moment Rishad Hossain rolled his arm, the game changed dramatically. He ripped through the middle order, picking up six wickets for just 35 runs in nine overs. His haul included crucial dismissals of Shai Hope, Joshua Da Silva and Shimron Hetmyer, each caught at the edge of the bat.
Supporting him, Mustafizur Rahman bowled an immaculate final spell, taking the last wicket and sealing a 74‑run win. The West Indies were 133 all out after 39 overs, still needing 75 runs with 11 overs left – a chase that evaporated as the required run rate swelled to 6.81.
Spin Bowling Takes Center Stage
Bangladesh’s spin trio – Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur – exploited the turning surface to perfection. Miraz’s ten‑over spell (10‑3‑16‑1) kept the run‑rate in check, while Hossain’s leg‑spin spun the ball sharply, especially on the middle overs when the pitch had settled.
Statistically, Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a combined economy of 2.96 runs per over, a stark contrast to the West Indies’ 5.42. Hossain’s six‑wicket haul is the first by a Bangladeshi leg‑spinner in ODIs and the best figures in the series so far. The performance earned him the Player of the Match award and, according to #BangladeshCricket, “a shot in the arm for Bangladesh’s spin future.”
Reactions and Analysis
Post‑match, Bangladesh captain Nurul Hasan praised the team’s discipline. “We knew the pitch would help our spinners, and the bowlers delivered exactly what we needed,” he said in the dressing‑room interview.
West Indies coach Stuart Law was more subdued: “We started well, but we didn’t have a plan for the spin. The way Rishad turned the ball hurt us badly. We’ll have to work on playing on turning tracks if we want to win here.”
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle noted, “Bangladesh have turned their home advantage into a masterclass in spin warfare. The West Indies need to develop a more aggressive approach against quality leg‑spin, especially after the early partnership collapsed.”
Implications for the Series
The 1‑0 lead puts Bangladesh in a commanding position. If they can replicate the spin dominance in the second ODI, a series win looks inevitable. For the West Indies, the defeat reignites concerns that their batting line‑up lacks the technique to negotiate sub‑continental turn.
Historically, the West Indies have not won an ODI series in Bangladesh since 2011, a drought now stretching 14 years. The loss also drops their ODI ranking from 10th to 12th, while Bangladesh inches closer to the top‑five.
Key Facts
- Result: Bangladesh 207/6 beat West Indies 133 all out by 74 runs
- Date & Venue: 18 October 2025, Dhaka, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium
- Player of the Match: Rishad Hossain – 6/35
- Top scorers: Brandon King 44 (60), Alick Athanaze 27 (36)
- Series outlook: Bangladesh lead 1‑0; second ODI scheduled for 22 October 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Bangladesh’s standing in the ICC ODI rankings?
Bangladesh’s win adds six points to their rating, nudging them closer to the top‑five for the first time since 2022. The victory also widens the gap between them and the West Indies, who slip two places after the loss.
What were the main reasons for the West Indies’ batting collapse?
The primary cause was an inability to handle high‑quality leg‑spin on a turning surface. After the initial 50‑run partnership, the introduction of Hossain’s flighted deliveries forced risky shots, leading to a cascade of wickets. Poor footwork and a lack of a clear game plan against spin amplified the collapse.
Who are the key spin options for Bangladesh moving forward?
Beyond Rishad Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman remain the core of Bangladesh’s spin attack. Young prospects like Soumya Sarkar also offer variation, but the trio’s experience on home pitches will likely carry the team through the remainder of the series.
What changes could West Indies make to be more competitive in Bangladesh?
Analysts suggest training sessions on turning wickets, employing a more aggressive footwork strategy against spin, and possibly selecting a specialist leg‑spinner for the upcoming matches. A stronger top‑order partnership that can rotate the strike will also be essential.
When is the second ODI of the series scheduled?
The second match is set for 22 October 2025 at the same Dhaka venue, giving both sides a short window to regroup and adjust strategies.