Bangladesh and West Indies will play the first game of a three-match T20 series on 15th December at Arnos Vale Stadium.
Match Preview:
After finishing the ODI series, the said nation will now compete in a shorter-format of the game. The Test series between the two sides ended in a draw and the home side whitewashed the visitors in the ODI series.
After a clean sweep, West Indies will start the series on a high-note. The West Indies have outplayed Bangladesh in T20s recently and would look to replicate these heroics again in forthcoming series.
Even though the side will be without the services of Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford as they will be busy in Big Bash League (BBL), the return of Johnson Charles is a major boost. He is a seasoned campaigner having amassed 7000 runs in the format.
The captain Rovman Powell will be the key player in the middle while the likes of Brandon King, Brandon King, and Nicholas Pooran are expected to anchor the innings and take it deep.
West Indies has also added Keacy Carty in the T20 squad too as he impressed everyone in the ODI series, scoring 161 runs across three games. In the bowling department, Alzarri Joseph will be the key player in the bowling unit while Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd will try to keep the Bangladesh batters at bay.
Talking about Bangladesh, they will be low in confidence after losing three games in a row against the same opponent. All of the expectations will be on Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Although Mehidy has not delivered with the bat in this format of late but his ability to score runs and his spin can play a decisive role for the Bengal Tigers.
Tanzid Hasan and Jaker Ali are two other names that can contribute well in the batting order for the side.
The bowling department of Bangladesh will hold much of the responsibility as Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are expected to destroy the timbers of the homeside. Tanzim Hasan Sakib provides raw speed and Rishad Hossain can be vital in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XI:
West Indies: Rovman Powell (c), Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Obed McCoy
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Afif Hossain/ Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed
Pitch and weather report:
The Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent is expected to provide a batting-friendly surface for the first T20 match between West Indies and Bangladesh. The pitch is generally flat and true, allowing batsmen to score freely. While the pitch offers some pace and bounce for bowlers, it’s not overly challenging.
As the game progresses, the pitch may slow down slightly, bringing spinners into play. However, the weather forecast suggests some afternoon showers, which may cause delays or lead to a shortened match.
Recent statistics at the Arnos Vale Ground suggest that teams have struggled to post high totals. The average first-innings score at the venue is 133, with the highest total recorded being Bangladesh’s 159-5 against the Netherlands in this year’s T20 World Cup.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 16 games have been played between these sides. West Indies have won 9 while Bangladesh are inching closer with 5 victories before their name.
Prediction:
Given their recent performances, West Indies are favourites to win the 1st T20 of the series.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan:Tapmad
Bangladesh: Toffee
West Indies: ESPN Caribbean
India: FanCode App
UK: TNT Sports 2
