The West Indies created cricket history on Tuesday by bowling an entire 50 overs of spin in their second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh — the first time ever in the history of the format. The visitors went on to claim a dramatic victory in a super over, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
After restricting Bangladesh to 213 for 7, the West Indies matched the total, scoring 213 for 9 in their 50 overs. The game went into a super over, where the Caribbean side hit 10 runs and won by one run, sealing a memorable triumph in Mirpur.
The match featured a record-breaking 92 overs of spin bowling — the highest ever in an ODI — surpassing the previous record of 78 overs.
In a bold tactical move, the West Indies fielded five spinners, each delivering a full quota of 10 overs, after omitting pace bowlers Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd. Bangladesh, who opted to bat first, also leaned heavily on spin, with five of their six bowlers being spinners.
Among the standout performers for the visitors, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took 3 for 65, while Alick Athanaze impressed with 2 for 14 and Akeal Hosein claimed 2 for 41. Roston Chase and Khary Pierre completed the unprecedented all-spin attack, conceding 44 and 43 runs respectively.
Remarkably, West Indies did not use their only pace option, Justin Greaves, throughout the innings.
This feat shattered the previous record held by Sri Lanka, who bowled 44 overs of spin in a 1996 ODI.
The strategy marked a striking departure for a team historically known for its fearsome fast-bowling legacy — featuring legends like Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, and Malcolm Marshall.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman, the only seamer used, bowled eight overs for 40 runs, while the rest of the attack comprised spinners — fittingly for a contest that will be remembered as the ultimate battle of spin.
