First time in ODI history: West Indies script unique record by bowling all fifty overs of spin

First time in ODI history: West Indies script unique record by bowling all fifty overs of spin (AFP Photo)

With the T20 World Cup just a few months away, the focus of all participating nations and the followers of the game has shifted to T20 cricket. Not that the format has ever lost its value, but the 20-over game is now firmly in the spotlight.

On the other hand, Test cricket, thanks to the World Test Championship, continues to hold its significance. The only format that appears to be losing its relevance is One-Day cricket. With no points at stake and no major event related to the format on the horizon, the 50-over game is barely attracting any attention.

In a time when ODI cricket is struggling, the ongoing series between Australia and India Down Under stands out. Thanks to the participation of two cricketing superstars, the three-match series is garnering significant traction — unsurprisingly, due to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, miles away in the Asian sub-continent, a series is underway between Bangladesh and the West Indies in Dhaka. Again, not a high-profile contest. Even the local fans are not flocking to the stadium where the ODIs are being played. Interest is minimal.

On Tuesday, however, the series suddenly made headlines. Why? The West Indies created history by using five spinners to complete their 50 overs in the second ODI. No pace, only spin. For the first time in the history of the format, an entire 50-over innings was bowled by spinners. Never before had this happened, but the conditions in Dhaka forced Shai Hope to take an all-spin route.

Interestingly, despite having Justin Greaves in the side as the only recognised pacer, Hope did not turn to him. Instead, he handed the full quota of 10 overs to part-time option Alick Athanaze, who impressed by conceding just 14 runs and claiming two wickets. The right-arm off-spinner even bowled three maiden overs in his ten-over spell.

It was Akeal Hosein, known as a Powerplay specialist, who opened the bowling alongside Roston Chase. As the match progressed, the left-arm spin duo of Khary Pierre and Gudakesh Motie joined the attack. If not for Rishad Hossain’s late cameo, Bangladesh would not have crossed 200.

The pitch was a dustbowl. With every ball bowled, it kept deteriorating. Puffs of dust rising during the first ten overs set the tone for the rest of the game. Two changes were made for this match, with Romario Shepherd and Jayden Seales making way for Ackeem Auguste and Akeal Hosein.

This game was played at the same venue where the West Indies lost the previous ODI. This time, they planned better and differently and got the desired result, winning the low-scoring thriller in the Super Over.

Before this match, the record for the most overs of spin bowled by a team in a one-day game was held by Sri Lanka (44). Sri Lanka have bowled 44 overs of spin on three occasions in ODI cricket and once bowled 43 overs, also against the West Indies, back in 1995.