Bangladesh banished any doubts raised by the slow, dark pitch at Mirpur with an imposing 296 for 8 against West Indies in the third and final ODI, powered by a blistering 176-run opening stand between Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan. Their stand was Bangladesh’s second-highest for the opening wicket, and their first century partnership at the venue in a decade. Saif launched the charge from the first over, driving Akeal Hosein straight and lofting him over cover. A towering six off Gudakesh Motie brought up the century stand, and a firm drive over mid-on sealed Saif’s maiden fifty. Despite losing 7 wickets for 85 runs, their total of 296 remains formidable on a turning track—one the West Indies made harder for themselves by spilling six catches.

Source: bd News24 October 23, 2025 15:06 UTC