Right then, that is it from an action-packed first ODI where West Indies take a 1-0 lead in the series. The hosts will look to seal it in the next match, while Bangladesh will want to bounce back and take it to a decider. The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on 10th December, Tuesday. It will begin at 1.30 pm GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the encounter. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Shai Hope, the victorious skipper of West Indies says that he is happy with the win and is proud of his players as they showed the hunger to beat the 11-game winless streak. Adds that Roston Chase was not getting much turn but they had the luxury of that extra seamer in Justin Greaves. Mentions that they ask for consistency, and it is finally showing in the team. Praises Rutherford for his knock and says that his hard work is paying off now, but he was disappointed not to stay till the end. Says that the top three or four batters need to put their hands up to make those big scores. Ends by saying that they do no want to relax now and wants to continue the winning momentum.

Mehidy Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh says that 294 was a good total on this wicket. Credits West Indies for their performance and especially to Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford who got the partnership in the middle overs and took the game away from them. Adds that it was a tough day for their bowlers, they started well in the Powerplay but could not bowl well in the middle overs and failed to pick up the wickets. Mentions that they will learn from their mistakes and will focus on how to improve in the remaining game. Ends by saying that they still have two games left and have a good chance to bounce back.

Sherfane Rutherford is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his blistering maiden ODI hundred. He says that the key is to keep working hard and he is doing everything he can to be more disciplined to give himself the best chance of performing. Adds that he looked to play with intent but takes his time as he knows he can make up for that later in the game. Mentions that getting hit is a part of the game and you take a few for the team. Says that the partnership between him and Hope was good and they had a chat to take the game deep. Ends by saying that he is trying to be more consistent and hopes that he continues to score runs for his team.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh put up an imposing total on the board. Tanzid Hasan gave them a strong start with a run-a-ball 60, while Mehidy Hasan anchored the middle overs brilliantly with a superb 74. Mahmudullah added the finishing touches with a quick-fire half-century, supported by a blazing 48 from Jaker Ali. West Indies had their moments with the ball but lacked consistency. Romario Shepherd was the standout performer, picking up three wickets, while Alzarri Joseph claimed two, and Jayden Seales chipped in with one.

Bangladesh began strongly, with Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib striking early to set the tone. However, they couldn’t maintain the pressure, allowing the hosts to fight back as their batters took control during the middle overs. The visitors worked hard but were let down by some sloppy fielding, giving away unnecessary runs. Just when the game seemed to be slipping away, captain Mehidy Hasan provided a breakthrough by dismissing the opposition skipper, reigniting Bangladesh's hopes. However, that was quickly dashed out as Rutherford blew them away with his storm and took the game away from them. Soumya Sarkar managed to get him out, but by then the damage was already done and their fate was written for this game.

Sherfane Rutherford then unleashed absolute carnage, smashing the ball to all corners of the ground with ruthless intent. Sparing no bowler, he powered his way to a sensational maiden ODI hundred, hammering 8 towering sixes in a breathtaking knock of 113 off just 80 balls. His explosive innings brought the team within striking distance of victory. Justin Greaves also deserves credit for his quick-fire cameo, which provided Rutherford the freedom to unleash his magic. Fittingly, it was Greaves who hit the winning runs and stayed unbeaten on 41 off 31 to seal the lead.

The duo shifted gears dramatically after the second drinks break, launching a relentless assault on the bowlers. Boundaries began to flow freely as Sherfane Rutherford brought up his half-century, while Shai Hope edged closer to a century, stranded on 86. Their 99-run stand brought the hosts back into contention, but with over 100 runs still required, the real fireworks were yet to come. 

The Windies openers started cautiously but both fell in quick succession within the Powerplay, putting their side on the back foot early. Skipper Shai Hope then steadied the innings alongside Keacy Carty, building a valuable 67-run partnership. Just as they were gaining control, Carty was dismissed, halting their momentum. However, Hope remained unfazed and found an able ally in Sherfane Rutherford, who brought much-needed aggression to the chase. Hope continued his stellar form against Bangladesh, reaching yet another half-century, while the duo took the game deep with a fantastic partnership.

WEST INDIES GO 1-0 UP IN THE SERIES WITH A FANTASTIC WIN! A record run chase from the hosts at Warner Park and it was all possible mainly due to the sparkling ton from Sherfane Rutherford. The others also chipped in well and it was a well-executed chase as they still had 14 balls left. This victory will mean a lot more to the Windies as they break the 11-game winless streak against Bangladesh in this format.

Roston Chase comes out to the middle now.