Bangladesh poised for a confident start in ODI series against West Indies

Bangladesh are brimming with confidence as they gear up to face the West Indies in the opening match of a three-match ODI series at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts on Sunday.

The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time.

The Tigers, as the team is affectionately known, enter the series with renewed vigour following their historic first Test victory over the West Indies since 2009. The recently concluded two-match Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, boosting the morale of the visitors.

However, ODI cricket has always been a format where Bangladesh have dominated the West Indies. The statistics speak for themselves: Bangladesh have won the last four bilateral ODI series against the Caribbean side, with two victories on West Indies soil and two at home.

Notably, the Tigers whitewashed the West Indies in the most recent two series – in 2021 at home and in 2022 in the West Indies.

The West Indies last tasted success in an ODI series against Bangladesh in 2014, when they swept the three-match series at home.

Since then, Bangladesh have established their supremacy, winning the last five encounters between the two teams.

This match presents a significant opportunity for the West Indies to break their losing streak and regain momentum.

The two teams have faced off 44 times in ODI cricket, with an equal number of victories – 21 each. Two matches ended in ties.

The opening game of this series will therefore determine which side takes the lead in their overall head-to-head record. This is a particularly meaningful statistic for Bangladesh, as they have yet to achieve a lead over any of the established Test-playing nations except newer entrants like Afghanistan and Ireland, or lower-ranked Zimbabwe.

A win today could give the Tigers this coveted milestone.

For both teams, the series offers vital preparation ahead of next year's ICC Champions Trophy. For Bangladesh, this is the last ODI series before the global tournament, making it a crucial opportunity to finalise their best squad.

"We have an ODI series coming up, a format we love to play," said Bangladesh's stand-in captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. "We have a good group of fast bowlers at the moment. We're always thinking about how to improve in international cricket. Mistakes are part of the process, but we aim to learn from them."

Miraz continues to lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who is yet to fully recover from a groin injury sustained during the Afghanistan ODI series. Bangladesh are also without experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim and middle-order mainstay Towhid Hridoy, both ruled out due to injuries.

Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh's recent Test victory with a depleted squad has instilled confidence in their ability to perform under pressure. The team is optimistic about maintaining their dominance over the West Indies in the ODI format, which has traditionally been their strong suit.

For the West Indies, this series is a chance to rebuild after a challenging period. They will be eager to put up a strong performance on home soil and reverse their fortunes against an opponent that has been their nemesis in recent years.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both sides aiming to start the series on a high note. Bangladesh's consistency in ODI cricket and the depth of their squad, even in the absence of key players, make them the favourites.

However, the West Indies, buoyed by home support, will be determined to end their losing streak and reassert themselves in the format.

With both teams eyeing important milestones and using the series as a stepping stone for the Champions Trophy, the stage is set for an intense and competitive clash. Fans can expect an engaging battle as the two sides renew their rivalry in the picturesque setting of Warner Park