Bangladesh secured a commanding 2-1 ODI series victory over West Indies with a crushing 179-run win in the third match at Dhaka’s Shere Bangla National Stadium. Soumya Sarkar’s brilliant 91 and Saif Hassan’s explosive 80 powered the hosts to 296-8, before their bowlers demolished the visitors for just 117.

The victory marks Bangladesh’s first ODI series triumph since March last year, ending a drought that had stretched across multiple home and away assignments. For the West Indies, the heavy defeat came as a harsh reality check after their thrilling Super Over win in the second ODI.

Sarkar and Saif Light Up Dhaka
The match transformed into a batting exhibition as Sarkar and Saif unleashed a barrage of boundaries on a pitch that had produced low-scoring encounters throughout the series. Their 176-run opening partnership – Bangladesh’s second-highest in ODIs – laid the perfect foundation for a formidable total.

Saif set the tone early, striking Akeal Hosein for consecutive boundaries in the opening overs. His inside-out six over covers signalled Bangladesh’s aggressive intent. Not to be outdone, Sarkar responded with two audacious reverse-hit sixes off Roston Chase, leaving the West Indies bowlers scrambling for answers.

Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan dominated the West Indies bowling attack with their record-breaking partnership
The duo’s shot-making reached its peak when Saif charged Justin Greaves and launched a spectacular high-elbow loft for six. By the 25th over, both batsmen were closing in on personal milestones. Saif reached his maiden ODI fifty with a boundary, while Sarkar raced into the nineties with typical flair.

Unfortunately, neither batsman could convert their starts into centuries. Saif fell for 80, caught at long-on off Chase, while Sarkar’s dismissal for 91 – nine runs short of his fourth ODI hundred – left him visibly disappointed. Their efforts, combined with late hitting from Rishad Hossain, propelled Bangladesh to 296-8, featuring a record-equalling 14 sixes.

West Indies Collapses in Dramatic Fashion
The West Indies chase never gained momentum as Nasum Ahmed wreaked havoc with the new ball. He removed the top three batsmen – Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, and Brandon King – to leave the visitors reeling at 26-3. All three fell to similar paddle sweep attempts, highlighting the tourists’ struggles against spin.

Rishad Hossain celebrates another wicket during his match-winning bowling performance.e
Rishad Hossain continued his remarkable series with three more wickets, taking his tournament tally to 12 – the first Bangladesh bowler since 2015 to claim double-digit wickets in a bilateral ODI series. His victims included Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, and Gudakesh Motie, as the West Indies subsided meekly.

Captain Shai Hope offered brief resistance with 27, but once he fell to Tanvir Islam, the innings folded rapidly. The visitors were bowled out for 117 in just 30.1 overs, suffering their heaviest defeat of the tour. Tanvir finished with impressive figures of 8-0-16-2, capping off a dominant bowling performance.

This comprehensive victory not only sealed the series for Bangladesh but also showcased their ability to adapt and dominate in challenging home conditions. After the nail-biting Super Over finish in the second ODI, they delivered when it mattered most, reminding everyone why they remain a formidable force in home conditions.