West Indies ‘A’ defeated Bangladesh ‘A’ by four wickets in a low-scoring opening ODI on Tuesday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia.
Bangladesh ‘A’ were skittled out for 80 in just 23.2 overs, and West Indies ‘A’ survived a batting collapse to achieve victory at 81-6 in 23.3 overs.
West Indies ‘A’ won the toss and opted the bowl first, and that decision proved fruitful as Bangladesh ‘A’ lost a wicket in the first over and the innings never gained momentum thereafter.
Justin Greaves took 4-25, Anderson Philip 2-15 and Shermon Lewis 2-24 in a disciplined bowling display by West Indies ‘A’, backed up by fantastic catching from wicketkeeper Joshua DaSilva, who featured in six dismissals.
J. Anik topscored with 25 for Bangladesh ‘A’.
In reply, West Indies ‘A’ got a solid start of 35 by DaSilva and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, but Bangladesh ‘A’ fought back well to reduce the home side to 70-6. However, the target was too small and West Indies ‘A’ eventually got the win.
The in-form Chanderpaul topscored with 23 off 39 balls (3x4s), Alick Athanaze made 19 off 29 (3x4s) and DaSilva 17 off 18 (3x4s).
M. Islam Mugdho and M. Chowdhury took two wickets each for Bangladesh ‘A’.
The remaining two games in the three-match ODI series are set for August 18 and 20 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
