In the opening match of the three-game ODI series between the Bangladesh national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team, the hosts delivered a strong performance, winning by 74 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on 18 October 2025. ([The Times of India][1])
After losing the toss, West Indies chose to field first. Bangladesh scored 207 runs in 49.4 overs, then dismissed the visitors for just 133 runs in 39 overs. ([Cricket World][2])
Bangladesh batting: steady start pays off
Bangladesh’s choice to bat first paid off in conditions that, based on pitch and weather reports, were expected to favor spinners and bowlers as the innings progressed. ([Cricket Addictor][3])
Towhid Hridoy led the innings with a steady 51 runs off 90 balls, while newcomer Mahidul Islam Ankon supported him with 46 runs from 76 balls. ([Outlook India][4]) Despite a few breakthroughs from West Indies bowlers—Jayden Seales took 3 wickets for 48 runs—Bangladesh managed to set a competitive total. ([Cricket World][2])
Though the target of 207 might not seem daunting, the slow nature of the pitch allowed Bangladesh to maintain control once their key batters performed.
West Indies collapse under spin assault
Chasing a target of around 208, West Indies started well. Openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze added 51 runs to the score, with King making 44 and Athanaze 27. ([Reddit][5])
However, the game shifted quickly as Bangladesh’s spinner-friendly surface became challenging, and young paceman Rishad Hossain dismantled the middle order. Hossain achieved a career-best 6 wickets for 35 runs, claiming the first five wickets of the innings and leaving the Windies struggling. ([Outlook India][4])
The bottom of the lineup offered little resistance, and Bangladesh finished the match comfortably, highlighting their dominance with a 74-run victory.
What it means for the series
This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Early momentum will be crucial for the hosts, especially in friendly home conditions. The West Indies must regroup quickly.
For Bangladesh, this victory is significant. It shows growing confidence in their bowling and a readiness to defend totals, rather than just chasing them. For the Windies, the collapse underscores ongoing challenges with their middle order and adjusting to Asian conditions.
Deeper takeaways & context
Pitch & conditions matter
Before the match, the Shere Bangla pitch was noted as “on the drier side … spinners will get a lot of assistance,” suggesting caution was needed in the first ten overs. ([Cricket Addictor][3]) West Indies’ choice to bowl first made sense given the conditions, but in retrospect, Bangladesh’s batting displayed greater maturity.
Bangladesh’s bowling showing
The standout moment was Rishad Hossain’s six-wicket haul—not just the number, but how he took wickets especially early on. Such performance from a young Bangladeshi bowler boosts the team’s spirits. Supported by favorable conditions, Bangladesh’s bowlers were not just capable—they were dominant.
West Indies’ troubles deepen
This loss highlights a continued downward trend for the West Indies team. Media reports indicate they are struggling after five consecutive defeats in back-to-back series, and they feel pressure to redefine their identity. ([Reuters][6]) In the subcontinent, such collapses often indicate issues with technique and mindset.
Home advantage exploited
Bangladesh has been tough to beat at home for years. Their familiarity with the conditions, pitch behavior, and local support play a big role. By choosing to bat first and executing their plan, they show they are becoming more proactive in their ODI strategy.
What to watch in the rest of the series
- Can West Indies bounce back by adapting their batting to the slower surface and handling the threat of spin?
- Will Bangladesh keep up their momentum, or might complacency set in after a strong win?
- Which bowlers will shine next? Both teams will want to find the right spin or pace strategies for the conditions.
- How the tosses unfold: given the pitch report, batting first may remain the best choice, making the toss significant.
Series implications & wider significance
While this is just the first match of a short three-game series, the result carries several implications:
- For Bangladesh, it strengthens their reputation as a home team that performs well in shorter formats. Wins like this boost confidence ahead of global tournaments or tougher tours.
- For West Indies, the loss highlights ongoing issues with consistency, especially outside their home region. Such tours are critical tests if they aim to rebuild.
- For cricket fans and analysts, matches like this stress the importance of conditions and bowling strategies in one-day cricket—not everything revolves around big scores and power hitting.
- If Bangladesh continues to bowl effectively and restrict opponents to low totals, they affirm their identity as a team that can win by defending, not just chasing.
Final thoughts
In summary, Bangladesh showed a well-rounded performance in the first ODI: disciplined batting created a competitive total, followed by strong bowling that led to a collapse for the West Indies. Despite a good start, the Windies lost control and fell to Bangladesh’s spin attack and inconsistent play in the middle order.
As the series progresses, the Windies must demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Bangladesh will aim to build on their momentum. Regardless of what happens next, the first match proved that in ODI cricket, especially in difficult conditions, bowling can win matches just as effectively as batting can.
If you’re interested, I can provide detailed player statistics for the full series (ODIs 2 & 3) and a preview for the upcoming T20s between the teams. Would you like that?
