Saif-Soumya shine at Sher-E-Bangla as Bangladesh post big total in series decider

Batters had struggled to score runs in the first two ODIs of the Bangladesh–West Indies series at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, where spinners dominated. But today, Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan batted with ease on the same pitch. Under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh set a near-300 target in the third ODI.

With the three-match ODI series tied 1–1, today's third match in Mirpur became the series decider. Bangladesh made a strong start, but their innings suddenly collapsed in the middle overs. The hosts, however, launched another late surge to finish well. West Indies now need 297 runs to win the final ODI.

Bangladesh ended a two-and-a-half-year wait against the West Indies today, recording their first hundred-run opening partnership in ODIs after 945 days and 45 innings. Openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar shared a 176-run stand off 152 balls in Mirpur — Bangladesh's highest-ever opening partnership at the venue.

Given how comfortably they were batting, both openers seemed on course for centuries, but each fell short. On the second ball of the 26th over, Saif attempted a slog sweep off Roston Chase but mistimed it, and Justin Greaves took the catch at long-on. Saif made 80 off 72 balls, hitting six fours and sixes apiece.

Within three overs of Saif's dismissal, Bangladesh lost their second wicket. On the first ball of the 29th over, Soumya tried a slog sweep off Akeal Hosein, only for Ackeem Auguste to run in from deep midwicket and complete the catch. Soumya scored 91 off 86 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes. After the openers' departure, Bangladesh stood at 181 for 2 in 28.1 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy then added 50 runs for the third wicket, though it took them 70 balls to do so.