History was written in Dhaka as the West Indies pulled off a stunning, record-shattering victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI, all thanks to a bold and unprecedented bowling strategy that left fans and experts alike in awe.
Table of Contents
- The Spin Revolution
- Match Summary: A Tale of Two Innings
- Super Over Drama
- Why This Strategy Worked
- Records Shattered
- What’s Next for the Series?
The Spin Revolution: 50 Overs of Pure Grit
In a move that will be studied in cricket academies for years to come, the West Indies fielded five specialist spinners and bowled a full 50 overs of spin in their 50-over innings—a first in the 50-year history of One Day Internationals . This wasn’t just a tactic; it was a declaration of intent on a pitch that offered significant turn and grip.
The spinners—Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph, and even part-timer Shai Hope—each bowled their full quota of 10 overs. Their combined effort restricted Bangladesh to 213 for 7, with Motie leading the charge with figures of 3 for 65 .
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Innings
Chasing 214 on a tricky Mirpur surface, the West Indies’ own batting unit struggled against Bangladesh’s formidable spin attack, which itself bowled 42 overs . The hosts’ Rishad Hossain was the pick of their bowlers with 3 for 42 .
At the crease, captain Shai Hope stood firm amidst the collapse, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53. His resilience ensured the Windies reached the same total as Bangladesh—213 for 9—forcing the game into a Super Over for only the second time in men’s ODI history .
Super Over Drama: Hope Seals the Deal
The tension in Mirpur was palpable. In the Super Over, the West Indies sent in their power-hitters and smashed 10 runs off the six deliveries. In response, Bangladesh could only manage 9 runs, handing the visitors a dramatic 1-run victory .
This win not only leveled the series at 1-1 but also showcased the Windies’ ability to adapt and innovate under pressure.
Why This Strategy Worked
Conventional wisdom in ODI cricket dictates a balance of pace and spin. However, the West Indies’ management, led by coach Daren Sammy, read the pitch perfectly. With the ball gripping and turning from the outset, they doubled down on their strength—their world-class spin department.
This high-risk, high-reward approach paid off spectacularly. It neutralized Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen, who are more accustomed to facing pace, and created constant pressure that led to crucial wickets.
Records Shattered in Dhaka
The match will go down in the record books for several reasons:
| Record | Previous Best | New Record |
|---|---|---|
| Most spin overs by a team in an ODI | 44 (Sri Lanka, 1996) | 50 (West Indies, 2025) |
| Total spin overs in a single ODI | Not officially tracked, but likely under 80 | 92 (50 by WI + 42 by BAN) |
| Super Overs in men’s ODIs | 1 (prior to this match) | 2 |
What’s Next for the Series?
With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider. Both teams have shown they can adapt and fight, but the West Indies have sent a clear message: they are not afraid to rewrite the rulebook to win.
Focus on the Decider
As the teams prepare for the final ODI, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can counter the Windies’ spin threat or if the visitors can maintain their momentum and claim the series in this historic fashion.
Sources
- Times of India: 2nd ODI: After 50 overs of spin and Super Over, Windies beat B’desh
- Web Search Results [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]]