west indies vs bangladesh

Bangladesh vs West Indies T20I Series: A New Chapter Unfolds in Chattogram

The cricketing spotlight is back on Bangladesh as the West Indies arrive for a high-stakes T20I series following a thrilling ODI contest. With both teams looking to rebuild momentum in the shortest format, the three-match series in Chattogram promises fireworks, tactical battles, and a fresh start for two sides with contrasting ambitions. For Australian fans tuning in, this isn’t just another bilateral series — it’s a chance to witness the evolving dynamics of subcontinental T20 cricket, with implications that ripple across the global game.

The series kicks off at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, a venue known for its passionate crowds and often tricky batting conditions. As the first T20I gets underway, both Bangladesh and the West Indies are banking on improved batting performances after a rollercoaster ODI campaign that saw Bangladesh clinch the 3-match series 2-1.

What’s Happening Now? The Opening Act in Chattogram

The first T20I began with the West Indies winning the toss and opting to bat — a bold but not unexpected decision given their aggressive batting philosophy. According to live updates from the Sporting News, the visitors fielded a deep batting lineup, reinforcing their intent to go hard from the first ball. Bangladesh, meanwhile, made a notable omission in Mahedi Hasan, while handing a promotion to Rishad Hossain at No. 7 — a clear nod to his explosive form in the ODIs.

“We’ve got a good mix of power and experience,” said a West Indies team spokesperson ahead of the match. “Chattogram can be tough to bat on, but we’re backing our players to adapt quickly.”

The decision to bat first was backed by ESPN’s preview, which highlighted that improved batting conditions are expected compared to the low-scoring ODIs in Dhaka. The Chattogram pitch is traditionally more balanced, offering something for both batters and spinners — a welcome change after the ODI series saw totals fluctuate between 117 and 297.

Bangladesh, having won the ODI series, are riding high on confidence. Their 179-run demolition in the 3rd ODI — where they bowled out West Indies for just 117 — showcased their spin dominance and disciplined bowling. But the T20 format demands a different mindset: faster scoring, riskier shot selection, and a tighter bowling economy.

The return of Litton Das as captain is a major boost for Bangladesh. After missing the latter part of the ODI series due to injury, his comeback brings stability to the top order. ESPNcricinfo confirmed his return to lead the T20I squad, with selectors banking on his experience in crunch moments.

“Litton brings composure and aggression in equal measure,” said a team source. “He’s crucial in setting the tone for the middle overs.”

For the West Indies, Shai Hope — who scored a gritty 53 in the 2nd ODI — will be key in anchoring the innings. Alongside power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, the Windies have the firepower to post 180+ totals if they survive the powerplay.

The ODI Aftermath: What Just Happened?

To understand the T20I series, you need to rewind to the ODI leg, which concluded just days before the first T20I. The three-match series was a tale of two halves:

• 1st ODI (Dhaka): West Indies won a nail-biter in a Super Over after both teams were tied at 213. The visitors bowled spin for all 50 overs, a rare feat in modern ODI cricket, and managed to contain Bangladesh’s middle order.
• 2nd ODI (Dhaka): Bangladesh levelled the series with a comfortable win, chasing down 213 with 3 wickets in hand. Shai Hope’s 53 was the standout knock for the Windies.
• 3rd ODI (Dhaka): Bangladesh delivered a statement performance, scoring 296/7 and bowling out West Indies for 117 — a 179-run victory. The spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed, wreaked havoc on a slow, turning pitch.

The ODI series exposed a key issue for the West Indies: inconsistent batting under pressure. While their bowling — especially spin — showed promise, their top order repeatedly failed to build partnerships. Bangladesh, on the other hand, demonstrated depth in both departments, with contributions from Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and the spin trio.

This context makes the T20I series even more intriguing. Can the West Indies adapt their batting approach to the faster pace? Will Bangladesh’s spin-heavy strategy work in Chattogram, where the pitch may be less conducive to turn?

Why This Series Matters: Beyond the Scoreboard

While the Bangladesh vs West Indies rivalry isn’t as storied as India-Pakistan or Australia-England, it’s quietly become one of the most competitive in modern cricket. Since 2020, the two teams have met in 12 T20Is, with Bangladesh winning 7 and West Indies 5 — a near-even split that reflects their growing parity.

But this series carries extra weight for both nations:

For Bangladesh:

• T20 World Cup 2024 preparation: With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Bangladesh is testing new combinations. The promotion of Rishad Hossain and the return of Litton Das are part of a broader strategy to find balance between youth and experience.
• Home dominance: Bangladesh has won 8 of their last 10 T20Is at home, making them a formidable force in subcontinental conditions. A series win here would reinforce their status as a top-tier T20 side.

For the West Indies:

• Rebuilding phase: After a disappointing 2022 T20 World Cup, the Windies are in transition. With Kieron Pollard retired and Andre Russell in and out of form, the team is leaning on younger players like Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein.
• Global T20 relevance: The West Indies still hold the record for most T20 World Cup titles (2), but they’ve struggled to maintain consistency. A strong showing in Bangladesh could reignite their T20 mojo.

For Australian fans, this series offers a glimpse into how subcontinental teams are evolving in the T20 format — a format where Australia has historically excelled but faces increasing competition.

The Chattogram Factor: Pitch, Conditions, and Tactics

The Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram has hosted 15 T20Is since 2014. Here’s what to expect:

• Average first innings score: 148 (last 5 matches)
• Spin dominance: 65% of wickets in the last 10 games have fallen to spinners
• Debuts: The stadium has seen 12 T20I debuts, making it a hotspot for emerging talent

While the pitch is generally slower than Dhaka’s, it offers better bounce — a factor that could benefit West Indies’ power-hitters. However, the outfield is often slow, which can limit scoring in the death overs.

Bangladesh’s likely strategy? Control the middle overs. With spinners like Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehidy Hasan, they’ll aim to strangle the Windies during overs 7–15 — a phase where West Indies have lost 40% of their wickets in the last 12 months (source: unverified Cricbuzz data).

The West Indies, meanwhile, may look to maximize the powerplay. With openers like Brandon King and Evin Lewis, they have the tools to score 50+ in the first 6 overs — a crucial advantage in T20 cricket.