Srinagar: In a landmark moment for cricket, the West Indies etched their name into the record books by bowling all 50 overs of spin during a thrilling super-over victory against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Tuesday.
Once feared for their fiery pace attacks, the Caribbean side stunned fans and experts alike by fielding an all-spin bowling lineup — becoming the first team in ODI history to do so.
On a slow, turning track that mirrored conditions from their first-ODI loss, the Windies omitted all pace options, opening with left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and part-time off-spinner Roston Chase. Slow left-armer Khary Pierre bowled first change, while captain Shai Hope turned to Gudakesh Motie, who impressed with figures of 3-65 as Bangladesh were restricted to 213-7.
Even part-timer Alick Athanaze, who had bowled just four ODI overs before, delivered a sensational spell of 2-14 from 10 overs. Hosein added 2-41, as West Indies’ spin quartet choked Bangladesh’s scoring options throughout the innings.
Interestingly, despite visible turn, the pitch offered an average of 3.55 degrees of deviation — slightly less than in the opening ODI, where pacers had dominated. This time, the Windies left out pacemen Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, and other seamers, due to injury and tactical choices.
The match went down to the wire. Chasing 214, West Indies found themselves at 133-7, before skipper Hope (53)* anchored a brave recovery. Needing three runs from the final delivery, number 11 Khary Pierre top-edged to square leg — only for Nurul Hasan to drop the catch, allowing two runs and forcing a super over.
In the tie-breaker, Hosein — fittingly, a spinner — held his nerve despite starting with a wide and a no-ball. Bangladesh needed three off the final ball but managed only one, handing West Indies a dramatic victory and one of the most unique wins in modern cricket.
The series decider will take place at the same venue on Thursday, with both teams locked at 1-1.
