Half-centuries from openers Tamim Iqbal and Saumya Sarkar were at the forefront of Bangladesh’s crushing eight-wicket win over West Indies as the Tigers opened their ODI tri-series campaign at Dublin in some style.
Despite a second consecutive ODI ton from Shai Hope, West Indies could only post 261-9 in their 50 overs after choosing to bat first.
In reply, Bangladesh cantered to victory after a 144-run opening stand between Tamim and Sarkar which completely deflated the Windies bowling unit.
It was a contrasting display from both openers with Tamim choosing to approach the chase in circumspect fashion while Sarkar took the attack to Windies’ bowlers.
Sarkar scored his 73 runs off just 68 deliveries while Tamim took as many as 116 balls for his 80. Chase provided West Indies with the much-needed breakthrough by ending Sarkar’s stay at the crease before Tamim perished to the bowling of Shannon Gabriel.
However, there would be no dramatic collapse from Bangladesh with Shakib Al Hasan registering a fluent fifty to ease the side to a thumping eight-wicket win.
Back-to-back ODI centuries for Shai Hope.
Earlier, newly appointed ODI vice-captain Shai Hope slammed a second consecutive ton to give West Indies an excellent start with the bat at Dublin.
Hope and fellow opener Sunil Ambris added 89 runs for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh struck again almost immediately with Shakib Al Hasan sending back Darren Bravo but Windies were in control once again following another vital stand between Hope and Roston Chase.
The two batsmen forged a 115-run partnership with Chase bringing up a superb half-century. Both the set batsmen were eventually dismissed in quick succession by Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza with West Indies losing their way in the death overs from a strong position of 205-2.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Mortaza and Mohammad Saifuddin, were excellent in the final nine overs or so with Windies suffering a late batting collapse.
Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman picked up two wickets but had an expensive outing with his 10 overs going for 84 runs. Mortaza was the pick of Bangladesh bowlers with the captain claiming three wickets in a tidy display.
BRIEF SCORES
West Indies: 261-9
Shai Hope: 109 (132)
Mashrafe Mortaza: 3-49
Bangladesh: 264-2
Tamim Iqbal: 80 (116)
Saumya Sarkar: 73 (68)
Shakib Al Hasan: 61 not out (61)
