Dhaka: Bangladesh endured heartbreak in their first-ever tied international match as West Indies edged them out in a dramatic Super Over to level the three-match ODI series 1-1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Chasing a victory target of 214, West Indies failed to get over the line in the stipulated 50 overs, being restricted to 213-9, which led to the game being decided in a super over.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in the Super Over, West Indies scored 10-1 and defended it well, thanks to Akeal Hosain, who restricted Bangladesh to 9-1, leaving them two runs short of the victory. Bangladesh had played 813 matches across formats (453 ODIs, 154 Tests, and 206 T20Is) without ever experiencing a tied match until now.
After managing 213-9, courtesy of a late blitz from Rishad Hossain, who blasted 39 runs off 14 balls, Bangladesh seemed poised to win the game. However, West Indies captain Shai Hope turned the tide, leading his team to keep the series alive. Bangladesh’s own mistakes contributed to the match reaching a Super Over, notably when Nurul Hasan Sohan dropped a catch, allowing West Indies’ No.11 batter Khary Pierre to take two crucial runs to tie the game.
West Indies also struggled under pressure. Needing five runs for victory in the last over, Hope and Akeal couldn’t capitalize against Saif Hassan, who bowled tightly. Saif removed Akeal in the fifth ball, leaving West Indies needing three runs to win. Sohan’s missed catch following a top-edge by Pierre added to Bangladesh’s frustration, which ultimately cost them in the Super Over.
The match was dominated by spin, with 92 overs bowled by spinners, marking the highest number of overs bowled by spinners in ODI history. Hope’s 67-ball 53, featuring four boundaries, was crucial in taking the match to the Super Over after West Indies were challenged by Bangladeshi spinners.
Rishad Hossain, fresh from his 6-35 in the first match, once again troubled West Indies, taking 3-42. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Brandon King for a duck. Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty steadied the innings with a 51-run partnership, but Rishad’s introduction disrupted West Indies’ momentum.
Bangladesh spinners maintained pressure, leaving West Indies at 133-7 in the 34th over. Hope, however, found a partner in Justin Greaves, adding 44 runs for the eighth wicket before Greaves was run out for 26 by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Hope and Akeal pushed the game deep, raising hopes of a win, but couldn’t finish it within the stipulated overs.
Earlier, contrasting innings from Soumya Sarkar and lower-order batter Rishad Hossain helped Bangladesh post a competitive total. On a challenging pitch, opener Soumya anchored the innings with a patient 45 off 89 balls before Rishad’s explosive 39 off 14 balls provided a late flourish.
Despite early setbacks with the loss of openers Saif Hasan and Towhid Hridoy, Soumya’s presence at the crease stabilized the innings. Contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahidul Islam Ankon were modest before Akeal Hosein dismissed Soumya after Bangladesh crossed the 100-run mark.
Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz played responsibly, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 58 balls. Rishad’s aggressive approach, featuring three fours and three sixes, propelled Bangladesh past 200. Gudakesh Motie was the most successful bowler for West Indies, taking 3-44, while Akeal and Alick Athanaze chipped in with two wickets each.