Ruthless Rutherford ton helps Windies beat Bangladesh in 1st ODI by 5 wickets

The West Indies secured a thrilling five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening ODI at Warner Park, St. Kitts, thanks to Sherfane Rutherford's remarkable knock of 113 off 80 balls.

Chasing 295, Rutherford's blistering century included 7 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, which dismantled the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

Justin Greaves (unbeaten 67) provided solid support, ensuring the hosts reached the target with 14 balls to spare.

This victory ended Bangladesh's 11-match winning streak against the West Indies in ODIs.

The Caribbean side set a new record for the highest successful chase at Warner Park, surpassing their previous best of 266 runs.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh posted a formidable 294 for 6, their second-highest total batting first on Caribbean soil. Contributions came from Tanzid Hasan Tamim (60), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74), Mahmudullah (50), and Jaker Ali Anik (48).

The innings began with promise as Soumya Sarkar started aggressively, scoring 19 off 18 balls before edging behind. Litton Das followed soon after with just 2 runs to his name. However, Tanzid's composed 60 off 60 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, stabilised the innings alongside Miraz. The duo added 79 runs for the third wicket.

Miraz anchored the middle overs with his patient 74 off 101 balls, laced with six boundaries and a six. Mahmudullah and Jaker then added a crucial 96 runs for the sixth wicket, accelerating towards the end. Mahmudullah's unbeaten 50 off 44 balls included three fours and three sixes, marking his 30th ODI half-century. Jaker's quickfire 48 off 40 balls ensured Bangladesh set a challenging target.

Romario Shepherd led the West Indies bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales chipped in with two and one wickets, respectively.

The West Indies' reply started cautiously against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib restricted runs early, with the hosts managing just 11 runs in the first four overs. Tanzim struck first, dismissing Brandon King, while debutant Nahid Rana removed Evin Lewis soon after. By the 10th over, West Indies were 42 for 2.

Shai Hope and Keacy Carty then steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership off 82 balls. Though Carty departed for 21, the West Indies' captain continued to hold the innings together. Hope's knock of 86 off 88 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes, kept the chase on track before he fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

Sherfane Rutherford then took charge, transforming the game with his aggressive batting. Partnering with Justin Greaves, Rutherford smashed 113 off 80 balls, his maiden ODI century. His innings included seven fours and eight sixes, dismantling Bangladesh's bowling attack. The duo added 95 runs off just 57 balls for the fifth wicket, effectively sealing the match.

Though Rutherford was dismissed with seven runs needed, Greaves (41 not out) and Roston Chase completed the job with 14 balls to spare.

Key Performers
- Sherfane Rutherford: 113 off 80 balls (7 fours, 8 sixes)
- Shai Hope: 86 off 88 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes)
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim: 60 off 60 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 74 off 101 balls (6 fours, 1 six)

Bangladesh's bowlers shared wickets evenly, with Tanzim, Nahid, Rishad, Miraz, and Soumya each claiming one. However, their collective effort fell short against Rutherford's explosive batting.

The second ODI will be crucial for Bangladesh to bounce back and keep the series alive, while West Indies will look to carry their momentum forward.