Bangladesh made a facile six-wicket win over West Indies in the opening game of the three-match ODI series.
Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made his comeback match a memorable one by producing a stellar performance at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Shakib, who was back after being given a two-year ban by the International Cricket Council in October 2019 with one year suspended, for failing to report approaches from a bookmaker, claimed 4-8 in 7.2 overs with his wily left-arm spin to rip through Caribbean batting line up.
Debutant Hasan Mahmud with 3-28 and his fellow fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman with 2-20 played a key role as West Indies was dismissed for a paltry 122 in 32.2 overs in rain-hit game.
Chasing a moderate target, Bangladesh though faced a hiccup, raced to the victory, reaching 125-4 with 97 balls to spare.
It was Bangladesh’s first match after a nine-month layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to make a winning-return, they also kicked off their ICC Super League campaign that will determine which teams qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India, with good note.
Mustafizur Rahman and debutant Hasan Mahmud hit the ball in good areas continuously to leave the visitors in dazed state before Shakib appeared in the stage.
Rain put a brake on the game for about an hour after Bangladesh sent West Indies, playing with six ODI debutants, in batting.
Mustafizur broke through with the wicket of opener Sunil Ambris (7), one of the most experienced players in this vastly inexperienced side before the rain break, with the Caribbean at 15-1.
After the game resumed, Mustafizur again was rewarded for his tight length, dismissing Joshua Da Silva (9), caught beautifully at gully by Liton Das.
Shakib Al Hasan bowled seven overs in a row to cut through the middle order as West Indies lost three wickets for just 11 runs.
