West Indies head coach Daren Sammy conceded that Bangladesh was the superior team across all aspects, leading to their 2-1 series loss in the three-game ODI series at Mirpur. Bangladesh set a formidable total of 296-8 in the decisive third ODI, propelled by Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan’s remarkable 176-run opening partnership that laid the groundwork for the home team.
Soumya showcased finesse with a well-constructed 91 off 86 deliveries, including seven boundaries and four maximums, while Saif contributed a brisk 80 off 72 balls, hitting six fours and sixes each to mark his first ODI fifty. The pitch proved challenging for most other batsmen on both teams, with West Indies folding for a mere 117 in 30.1 overs, suffering a resounding 179-run defeat after their thrilling Super Over victory in the second match.
While acknowledging the difficulty of the Mirpur pitch for his team, Sammy recognized Bangladesh’s superior adaptation to the conditions and effective game plan execution. He highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic approach to setting a competitive total, emphasizing their adeptness at reading the conditions and playing astute cricket compared to West Indies.
Sammy lauded the aggressive approach of Soumya and Saif, attributing their fearless batting as a key factor in tilting the match in Bangladesh’s favor. He pinpointed inconsistency and mental unpreparedness as significant factors that cost his team dearly in the crucial encounter.
Addressing the home advantage utilized by Bangladesh to bolster their World Cup qualification prospects, Sammy expressed no qualms, emphasizing the need for his team to develop the necessary skills to excel in diverse conditions. He stressed the importance of adapting and performing well away from home, indicating that the series was vital for both teams, with each team striving to secure a direct World Cup spot.
In conclusion, Sammy underlined the importance of honing skills to counter varied conditions and reiterated his focus on enhancing his team’s performance, emphasizing the need for improved consistency and execution moving forward.