WEST INDIES SPINNING INTO THE RECORD BOOKS
The West Indies made history in Mirpur by becoming the first team ever to bowl all 50 overs of spin in a one-day international (ODI).
Their unusual tactic paid off in a thrilling super-over win against Bangladesh.
On a slow pitch, captain Shai Hope chose to use only spin bowlers. Akeal Hosein and part-time off-spinner Roston Chase opened the attack, followed by Khary Pierre, Gudakesh Motie, and Alick Athanaze.
Motie was the top performer with 3 for 65, while Athanaze surprised everyone with 2 for 14 from his 10 overs, his first wickets in ODIs.
No pace bowlers were used at all. Regular seamers Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jediah Blades, and Shamar Joseph were either left out or injured. The plan matched the slow conditions and marked a big change for a team once famous for its fast bowling.
Even though the pitch didn’t turn much, the spinners’ control kept Bangladesh to 213 for 7. In reply, the West Indies also struggled as Bangladesh’s spinners took all nine wickets to tie the game at 213 each.
In the super over, Hosein bowled again and stayed calm under pressure. He gave away only eight runs, helping West Indies win a memorable match completely ruled by spin.
Image credit: News18