Dhaka: Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first after winning the toss in their second ODI against West Indies at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. The hosts are eyeing to confirm the three-match series after winning the first game by 74 runs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh spinners were instrumental in their victory in the first match, taking eight wickets, with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain capturing an impressive 6-35 on a sluggish wicket. To strengthen their spin attack against the West Indies, Bangladesh included left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed in the playing XI, replacing fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. This strategic move led Bangladesh to field three spinners and one pacer in their effort to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Miraz expressed confidence in his team's batting performance, stating, "I think 230 to 240 is a very good score on this wicket. We could have scored 30 runs more in the last match, but we were not able to play the full 50 overs." He added that a complete 50-over performance could lead them to achieve the target and mentioned the crucial partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Mahidul Islam Ankon in the previous game as a key factor.
In response, West Indies made two changes to their lineup, bringing in left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and top-order batter Ackeem Auguste to replace fast bowler Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd. West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the importance of tackling spin in the middle overs, emphasizing that their plan focuses on countering the spin threat from Bangladesh. "The discussion has been about formulating our plan around the team plan, especially against the spin in the middle overs," Hope explained, highlighting the team's readiness and positive mindset heading into the match.
The playing line-ups for both teams are as follows:
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Nurul Hasan Sohan(w), Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
West Indies: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Akeal Hosein.