Bangladesh vs West Indies: 1st ODI Preview
The West Indies, led by Shai Hope, will take on Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s Bangladesh in the first ODI of a three-match series on Saturday, October 18 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Both teams will be looking to start the series on a positive note and make a strong statement early on.
Bangladesh’s Recent Form
Hosts Bangladesh have had a tough time in ODIs recently, suffering a 3-0 series loss to Afghanistan. Their poor performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 also raises concerns about their one-day cricket capabilities. However, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be determined to rally his team and put up a better show in front of the home crowd in Dhaka.
West Indies’ Challenge
On the other hand, the West Indies are coming off a disappointing whitewash against India in a Test series. However, the two-time ODI World Cup champions will be eager to bounce back and secure their qualification for the next World Cup in Africa in 2027. Despite the setback in the Test matches, the West Indies will be motivated to perform well in the white-ball leg of the tour.
Match Details
The Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka has historically been a batting-friendly venue. Teams batting first have enjoyed success, especially when scoring 300 or more runs in the first innings. The outfield is quick, and dew could play a factor in the later stages of the match, making it crucial for teams to make the most of the conditions.
Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Brandon King, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves, Jediah Blades
Key Players to Watch
Best Batter: Shai Hope has been in good form and will be crucial for the West Indies’ batting lineup. As the captain, he will have a big role to play in guiding his team to a competitive total.
Best Bowler: Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the key for Bangladesh with his off-spin. His ability to pick up wickets and control the game in the middle overs will be crucial for the hosts.
Match Prediction
Considering the venue’s history and the teams’ recent form, the team batting first is likely to have the advantage in this match. Both sides will be aiming to set a challenging total or chase it down successfully to take an early lead in the series.
Stay tuned for an exciting contest between Bangladesh and the West Indies as they battle it out in the first ODI on Saturday!
Match Build-Up
As the first ODI of the series approaches, both teams will be looking to assess their strengths and weaknesses to gain an early advantage. Bangladesh will be eager to prove themselves after recent disappointments, while the West Indies will aim to showcase their resilience and bounce back from their Test series defeat against India.
Bangladesh’s Home Advantage
Playing in familiar conditions at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh will have the support of their passionate home crowd. The team will look to capitalize on the conditions that suit their style of play, with spinners expected to play a significant role on the Dhaka pitch.
West Indies’ Explosive Batting Lineup
Despite their recent struggles, the West Indies possess a formidable batting lineup with power hitters capable of scoring quick runs. Players like Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford have the ability to change the course of the game with aggressive stroke play, providing depth to the team’s batting order.
Strategic Battles to Watch
One of the key battles to watch in this match will be the duel between Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s off-spin and the West Indies’ aggressive batting approach. Miraz’s ability to control the game in the middle overs could prove vital in restricting the West Indies’ scoring rate and picking up crucial wickets.
Impact of Toss and Conditions
With the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium known for favoring the team batting first, winning the toss and setting a competitive total will be crucial for both sides. The dew factor in the evening could also come into play, affecting the bowlers’ grip and making it challenging to defend a target under lights.
Player to Watch Out For
Dark Horse: Keep an eye on young talent Tanzid Hasan from Bangladesh, who has shown promise with his aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor an innings. His performance in this match could be a game-changer for the home team.
Match Outcome Prediction
With both teams hungry for a positive start to the series, expect a closely contested match with momentum swinging back and forth. While the team batting first may have the statistical advantage, the unpredictable nature of ODI cricket leaves room for surprises. Fans can anticipate an exciting clash between Bangladesh and the West Indies, filled with thrilling moments and intense competition.
Don’t miss out on the action as these two teams lock horns in the first ODI, setting the tone for an enthralling series ahead!
