Windies Vs Bangladesh 2018: Visitors Hold Nerve to Seal ODI Series 2-1

Bangladesh held their nerves and won the third and the deciding One-day International (ODI) against host team Windies – to wrap-up the series 2-1.

Yet again the victory was largely built around a brilliant century from the blade of senior top-order batsman Tamim Iqbal. He was equally supported by Mahmudullah Riyad and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza as the visitors posted a score of 301 for six in their allotted 50 overs.

The bowlers went for some stick. However, they handled the pressure brilliantly and bowled the Tigers to an impressive 18-run victory. Bangladesh has been a great limited-overs team in the recent past. Hence, it was no surprise to see them clinch the series.

Tamim helps Bangladesh post 301:

It was Mortaza, who won the toss and opted to bat. Iqbal started off quite solidly and never attacked the Windies bowlers from the outset. Moreover, he was trying to accumulate runs and let the other batters bat around him.

The visitors lost Anamul Haque in the 10^th over. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim shared a useful partnership between them to help Bangladesh stamp their authority on the match. However, just when they were looking set, the visitors lost Rahim.

Mahmudullah played a great knock of 67 runs off just 49 deliveries. His innings included five fours and three sixes.

Tamim was eventually dismissed on 103 off 124 deliveries. His innings was studded with seven fours and a couple of sixes. For Windies, Jason Holder and Ashley Nurse bagged a couple of wickets each.

The hosts began on a steady fashion as openers Evin Lewis and Chris Gayle shared a 53-run stand for the opening wicket. Gayle looked in great touch from the outset and smashed six fours and five sixes during his exceptional knock of 73 off 66 deliveries. Shai Hope and Gayle shared a 50-run stand again as Windies reached a position of strength.

The hosts lost some crucial wickets during the middle overs and failed to force their way back. Rovman Powell smashed a quickfire 74 off 41 deliveries which kept them going. His innings included five fours and four sixes to keep Windies alive for quite a long.

However, they failed to chase the target down and surrendered the series in the end. The series win will definitely give Bangladesh some confidence before going into the Twenty20 International series. Hence. they might well start as favourites for the shortest format.

Brief Scores

3rd ODI: Bangladesh 301/6 in 50 overs (Tamim Iqbal 103, Mahmudullah 69, Ashley Nurse 2/53)

Windies 283/6 in 50 overs (Rovman Powell 74*, Chris Gayle 73, Mashrafe Mortaza 2/63)

Bangladesh won by 18 runs.