UCB ODI Series Powered By Walton 

Second Match: Bangladesh Vs West Indies ODI Series Played at SBNCS Dhaka 

Brief score: West Indies 256/6 (SD Hope 146 *, MN Samuels 26, Rubel Hossain 2/52, Mustafizur Rahman 2/63) beat Bangladesh 255 /6 (Shakib Al Hasan 65, Mushfiqur Rahim 62, Tamim Iqbal 50, Raid 30, Oshane Thomas 3/54, Bishoo 1/27, Powell 1/39) by 4 wickets 

A magnificent unbeaten century (146) almost single handedly won the ODI for West Indies leveling the three matches series 1-1. Chasing a victory target of 256 to win West Indies was looking down the barrel at 189/6 by the 39th over. Hope opening the innings looked like ploughing in the sand. All the recognized batmen returned to the pavilion. 

Keemo Paul stayed with Hope in a match winning 75 runs unbeaten 7th wicket partnership in 10.4 overs rescuing Windies from the jaw of series defeat to a commendable win. The series is now locked 1-1. The third ODI would decide who wins it. Bangladesh after initial hiccup was going great with Tamim and Mushfiq sizzling in a spectacular second wicket partnership. But West Indies wretched the initiative after both left scoring half centuries. Windies bowled very accurate middle overs. 

Enterprising Shakib and Mahmudullah restored the balance. But once they were gone Bangladesh in death over almost freezed. 255/6 on an easy paced wicket can not be a winning score. Yet tight bowling by Shakib, Mehidy, Rubel and Mustafiz kept a tight leash on Windies till 40th over. But again poor bowling in the last 10 overs and brilliant batting by Hope won the day for Windies. One must not hesitate in accepting that better team on the day won. Bangladesh scored 30 runs too less, dropped few important catches and bowled poorly in death overs. When all these come together a team cannot win.

Rovman Powell won the toss again. But this time he put Bangladesh in. Roach and Thomas were fast and furious in the initial overs. Liton got a thunder bolt from Thomas and retired hurt. Kayes was blown away. But Tamim with Mushfiq regrouped and batted exceedingly well in the 111-run second wicket partnership creating great expectation of a massive total. Many thought these two main stays of Bangladesh batting would make the milestone match of FABULOUS FIVE centenary match together a memorable event. Both scored magnificent half centuries. But neither could convert it to a big one or stay longer. 

West Indies suddenly started bowling tight drying up scoring opportunities. Shakib starting slowly exploded and together with Mahmudullah started raising the bar. But both got out at crucial stage. Rest of the batsmen miserably failed to keep the momentum going. 255/6 in 50 overs was definitely 30 runs too less in the given circumstances. Bangladesh batsmen yet again proved incompetence of negotiating genuine pace on a slightly pacey wicket. Even Bishoo and part timer Powell squeezed Bangladesh.

Responding to Bangladesh target West Indies was not looking great but yet they did not totally dismantle. Shakib and Mehidy bowled miserly spell. Mashrafe was not that impregnable as he was in the first ODI. Rubel and Mustafiz took wickets. But not could get across the defence of one man. 

Hope alone was going great. Bravo and Samuels gave him brief companies. But Hope stood in between Bangladesh and the series win. By 40th over West Indies was reduced to 189/6. Hope was still there. He along with Keemo Paul took his team across the rope. His maiden century 146 in 144 deliveries led West Indies leveling the series with two balls to spare. 

Bangladesh lost to a better team on the day. We know a defeat creates frustration among admirers. But one must realize that Bangladesh is not that invincible West Indies of 1970s and 1980s or all Conquering Australia of 1990s and 2000. They have started winning matches. They will win some and loose some. But as long as they learn from defeats we must not worry. 

Bangladesh must move away from playing four openers and bring in Mithun. They must also have Saifuddin in late middle order. All is not yet lost. Bangladesh can still win the series keeping the positive intent going. 

BDST: 0959 HRS, DEC 12, 2018
SI