When West Indies cricket team edged the Bangladesh cricket team by a single run in a nerve‑shredding Super Over on , the result sent shockwaves through the crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The drama unfolded after both sides posted identical totals of 214 runs in the 50‑over contest, keeping the three‑match series alive and sparking endless talk about the rare "all‑spin" bowling marathon that defined the day.
Match overview: a story of parity and panic
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that seemed sensible given the early‑morning humidity. Opening duo Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal steadied the innings, but it was the explosive cameo from Rishad Hossain, middle‑order batsman that turned heads. Hossain smashed 39 runs off just 14 balls, revving the score to 213/7 at the end of the allotted overs.
West Indies, buoyed by a solid chase, lost early wickets but managed to scrape together 213/9, thanks largely to a quickfire 45 from captain Shai Hope and a late surge by Narine Benn. The tie forced the match into the rare ODI Super OverSher-e-Bangla National Stadium, setting the stage for one of the most clutch moments in recent cricket history.
The Super Over showdown
Bangladesh won the toss for the Super Over and chose to bowl first, hoping to leverage their new‑ball swing. West Indies sent out John Campbell as the striker, who made a single boundary before a dot ball forced a risky single. The next ball—a lofted hook from Hossain—was caught midway, leaving the West Indies total at a meagre 7 runs after two deliveries.
However, the tide turned when Alzarri Joseph sliced a six off the fourth ball, pushing the tally to 13. Bangladesh now needed 11 from the remaining two balls. A desperate slog from their lower‑order hit the ropes for a four, but a crucial mis‑field—courtesy of a dropped top‑edge off Akeal Hosein’s bowling—allowed the final ball to be a single, leaving Bangladesh at 10/0 and the match in West Indies’ hands.
"It felt like the whole stadium held its breath on that last ball," said Shai Hope in the post‑match interview. "We knew any tiny slip could flip the result, and the guys dug deep. It’s a win we’ll cherish forever."
Tactical spin marathon: 50 overs of turn
One of the most striking aspects of the encounter was West Indies’ decision to bowl a full quota of spin – a strategy seldom seen in ODIs. Lead spinner Akeal Hosein, right‑arm off‑spinner delivered 10 overs for just 38 runs, picking up three wickets and consistently stifling the Bangladeshi middle order.
According to former England all‑rounder Ben Stokes, “using an all‑spin attack for the full 50 overs is a bold move, but it paid off because the pitch was turning early and the batsmen couldn’t find their rhythm.” The plan paid dividends: Bangladesh’s run‑rate stalled at 4.26, well below the required 5.28 to chase 214.
Hosein’s spell was highlighted by a crucial wicket of top‑order batsman Mahmudullah, caught at slip off a perfect top‑spinner that left the batsman scrambling. "I always trust my arm on this kind of surface," Hosein remarked. "If the ball bites, the batsman has to improvise, and they often make a mistake – that’s what we wanted."
Reactions, expert analysis, and what’s next
The victory marks the West Indies’ third overseas win of the series, a statistic that underscores their growing resilience in sub‑continental conditions. Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle noted, “The mental fortitude shown in the Super Over combined with a daring spin‑only attack suggests a strategic evolution for West Indies in limited‑overs cricket.”
Bangladesh, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Coach Campbell Brown admitted, “We missed a few chances, especially that top‑edge that was dropped. The Super Over will sting, but it also shows we can compete till the last ball.” The series now stands at 1‑1, with the final ODI slated for October 24 at the same venue, turning the upcoming match into a de‑facto series decider.
Key facts
- Date: 21 October 2025
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- Result: West Indies won by 1 run via Super Over
- Scores: Bangladesh 213/7, West Indies 213/9 (tied)
- Super Over: West Indies 13/0, Bangladesh 10/0
- Key performers: Akeal Hosein (3/38), Rishad Hossain (39* off 14)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect West Indies' chances in the series?
The victory levels the series at 1‑1, turning the upcoming third ODI into a winner‑takes‑all encounter. A win will give West Indies a 2‑1 lead, securing the series, while a loss would hand Bangladesh the series on home soil.
Why did West Indies choose to bowl only spin for 50 overs?
The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla offered early turn and low bounce. Coach Campbell Brown believed a spin‑only attack would exploit those conditions, limiting Bangladesh’s scoring opportunities and forcing errors.
What was the decisive moment in the Super Over?
Akeal Hosein’s tight line produced a dot ball followed by a dropped top‑edge off Rishad Hossain’s slog. That missed catch denied Bangladesh the crucial 11th run, sealing West Indies’ 1‑run margin.
Who were the standout performers for Bangladesh?
Rishad Hossain’s explosive 39 off 14 balls kept Bangladesh competitive, and Mahmudullah’s steady 28 provided a backbone. However, the batting line‑up collectively fell short of the required run‑rate.
What can fans expect from the final ODI?
With the series tied, both sides will likely field their strongest XI. Expect another tactical battle, possibly with West Indies tweaking their spin combo and Bangladesh looking to accelerate early scoring to avoid another Super Over scenario.
