DHAKA, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) - West Indies Captain Shai Hope won the toss and sent Bangladesh into bat first in the three-match ODI series opening game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Mahidul Islam Ankon made a debut for Bangladesh in ODI format while Soumya Sarkar returned to the fold for the first time after playing in Champions Trophy with the national jersey in February this year.

They were the two changes to the Bangladesh squad after the side was whitewashed in Afghanistan series.

Bangladesh came into the game with four defeats, including 3-0 against Afghanistan, in a row in this format, once dubbed as their strongest suit. 

Since November, they have won just two in 14 ODIs and just one in 10 matches under the captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman also returned to the playing XI after missing the third Afghanistan ODI.

Naim Sheikh, Nahid Rana, Shamim Patwari and Hasan Mahmud were the four players to be dropped from the previous ODI.

Miraz said Bangladesh are ready to turn the things around as the home condition gives them a relief following a painful losing streak.

“We love to bat first as well. This is our home ground, and we are confident on this wicket,” Miraz told the broadcasters after the toss.

“We talk about so many things, but this is a new game. I hope everybody understands his role and takes it positively. Sometimes poor performance can happen, but we agree that this is a new day, and everybody should do better.”

West Indies played three ODI series this year-- drew with Ireland 1-1, tasted 3-0 defeat to England in away series and beat Pakistan by 2-1 at home.

They had recently played a two-match Test series in India in which they were whitewashed.
“We're just going to let the bowlers take the first strike this time. The preparation we had in between the Test match and this series was very important. It's been a bit hectic for the last couple of months, but we just have to make sure we adapt quickly,” West Indies Captain Shai Hope said.

“In these international fixtures, you've got to assess quickly and then decide what you need to do and then deliver. It's crucial for us to start the series well.”

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Nurul Hasan Sohan(w), Mahidul Islam Ankon, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

West Indies: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.