West Indies seeks to end ODI series drought in Bangladesh

Bangladesh beat West Indies in both Twenty-20 and ODIs in their recent tour to Caribbean island

West Indies will be looking to find a stable combination for upcoming ODI World Cup

The West Indies will be looking to end its four-year wait for a one-day international series win when it takes on host Bangladesh, this Sunday.

Stand-in skipper Rovman Powell said winning the three-match series in Bangladesh would give his side the perfect boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup next year, for which it had to qualify after failing to secure one of the eight automatic berths.

“We haven't won an ODI series in a long time,” Powell told reporters on Saturday, ahead of the first game in Dhaka.

“The guys are upbeat and raring to go. No better opportunity to change it in Bangladesh.

“It will be good to get the series win under our belt before the World Cup", he added.

The West Indies was humiliated by Bangladesh in the preceding Test series, with the home side wrapping up both matches inside three days.

Bangladesh would like to continue its home dominance

 

The Caribbean side last won an ODI series in 2014 when it beat Bangladesh 3-0 at home.

It has since lost 11 series and drew against minnow Afghanistan, last year.

The streak includes a 2-1 loss to Bangladesh in July at home and a 3-1 loss to India in October.

Powell, who will be leading the side in the absence of the injured Jason Holder, said the Test defeats to Bangladesh is in the past now.

“We are focused on white-ball cricket. (The) guys are motivated and upbeat and hopefully we can get best possible result,” he said.

“Both teams have good spinners, fast bowlers and batters. It will be a very competitive series.”

Bangladesh has been boosted by return of opening batsman Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who both missed the ODI series against Zimbabwe in October due to injuries.

Shakib played in the Tests against the West Indies and was named man-of-the-series, while Tamim showcased his abilities with a blistering 107 off 73 balls in Thursday's 51-run warm-up match win over the visitors.

“Obviously having Shakib, Tamim in the team is a big advantage for us,” said Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

“In the practice game, Tamim played brilliantly which is a great relief for Tamim, as well as for us,” added Mashrafe, who is set to become the first Bangladeshi to play 200 ODIs on Sunday.

The second and third match of the series will be played on December 11 and 14 in Dhaka and Sylhet.

The West Indies will wrap up the Bangladesh tour with three Twenty20 internationals.