The West Indies etched their name into cricket history by bowling a full 50 overs of spin in their second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh on Tuesday — the first time any team has achieved this feat in the format.
In a low-scoring thriller in Mirpur, the visitors held Bangladesh to 213 for seven before matching the total at 213 for nine in their 50 overs. The game was decided in a super over, where the West Indies scored 10 runs and won by one run to level the three-match series 1–1.
The match featured a combined total of 92 overs of spin bowling, the highest ever recorded in an ODI, surpassing the previous record of 78 overs. Sri Lanka’s long-standing record of 44 overs of slow bowling in a single ODI match, set in 1996, was also overtaken.
Five West Indian spinners — Gudakesh Motie, Alick Athanaze, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, and Khary Pierre — bowled 10 overs each, with the team opting to drop both pace bowlers Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd. Motie led the attack with three wickets for 65, while Athanaze and Hosein each picked up two wickets.
Remarkably, West Indies avoided using their only remaining pace option, Justin Greaves — a striking tactical shift for a side historically famed for its fearsome fast-bowling tradition.
Bangladesh, too, leaned heavily on spin, using five slow bowlers, while Mustafizur Rahman was their lone seam option, returning 8 overs for 40 runs.
The encounter will be remembered not only for its nail-biting finish but also for marking a new era of spin dominance in ODI cricket.
